I need to update this journal way more frequently. What's the point of having a journal if I'm not logging on a consistent basis, right? :) I'm sorry I've been a bit MIA - it's been really busy but I'm happy that I'm sitting down with some tea and ready to start writing about healthy hair again. I just got a fresh relaxer (after my usual four month stretch) and I definitely felt an urge to start writing about how my hair is coming along and how my healthy hair goals are progressing…

It's time for a relaxer update! I'm so happy with my stretch and the fact that it went a lot easier than past stretches. We used the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer (in the kit, regular strength), and it went smoothly. My scalp and my hair both feel great. Here is where my hair is now: …

I got my hair relaxed a few days ago after stretching my relaxer for four months. In the past, I used Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Relaxer, but I used Dr. Miracle's No-Lye Regular Relaxer this time (I wanted to change it up, and I am comfortable with Dr. Miracle's relaxer and its strength). My hair came out silky straight, smooth, and smelling great (the peppermint-smelling leave-in in the packet makes your hair smell heavenly, and also nourishes the hair post-relaxer). I gained a…

Here are pictures that I took of my hair yesterday and today:

 …

Just a quick hair update: I am now in my 12th week of stretching my relaxer and am continuing to stretch to the last week of October 2011. I have never stretched my relaxer past 11 weeks (without putting it in braids, etc.), but I have found that it has become easier to stretch my relaxer this year. Why? Well, when I…

I am currently stretching my relaxer again - I am eleven weeks-post relaxer. I've never actually stretched my relaxer past 12 weeks (to the best of my knowledge), but I may do it this time.

The hardest thing about stretching a relaxer (especially in the summer time) is styling while simultaneously nourishing my tresses. If I want to keep pulling off a sleek, straight look, it is very much possible (and I have some thick, tight curls for roots), but I know that to achieve that look at…

The type of donut foam I use to fill up my bun. 

Just a quick update: I've decided to really cut down on flat ironing my hair and do protective hairstyles. My favorite style right now is a bun, where I wrap my hair around a small foam black donut hair item in order to give…

My hair as of April 18, 2011: 11 weeks post relaxer, APL (armpit length), and about 3 inches from bra-strap length 

I'm really happy about my hair progress, but I've learned a lot during this particular stretch: 

1) Stick with the same…

February 4, 2011: My Relaxer After Stretching My Hair for 11 Weeks 

I got my hair relaxed yesterday (with an accompanying moisturizing treatment). Here is what it looks like:

I'm happy with my progress. Since my last relaxer (11 weeks ago), my hair appears to have grown a couple of…

January 26, 2011: Stretching Relaxer and Air-Drying

So, I've been doing pretty well with the stretching - I'm 10 weeks post relaxer and my hair seems to be managing well. Some of the key things that I do: I wash and condition it about 2-3 times per week and try to deep condition (hair repair mask, 30 minutes, under a hooded dryer) each time. In terms of styling, I've enjoyed blow-drying my hair and skipping the flat iron step because when I wrapped my hair up with some Chi Silk…

January 18, 2011: Stretching Relaxer and Blow Out 

Today, I washed/conditioned/and deep conditioned my hair. It really needed it because my hair felt overwhelmed with coconut oil and my scalp felt like it needed to be refreshed. After the whole washing/conditioning process, I decided not to do a braidout (I wanted a change) and did a blowout instead (without flat iron work afterwards). 

How I did it: I prepped my hair with "It's a 10 Miracle Leave In" spray. I wrapped my…

January 14, 2011: Stretching Relaxer and Braid Out 

So, I've decided to stretch my relaxer (I am at 8 weeks now). I usually relax my hair around 6-7 weeks. But I realize that the constant overlapping of the relaxers has taken a toll on my hair and I want to give my hair a rest (I was going to say "a break", but...probably not a good choice of words. :P).  Plus, my nape area is really short (so short that I'm not fond of pinning up my hair and I want to give…