Relaxer Update and Length Check

I self-relaxed my hair on May 2, 2012 using Optimum Care Salon Collection Relaxer in regular strength. I read a few blog post about how great this relaxer made their hair feel afterwards and the how they minimal to no shedding. I decided to give it a try and I must say I too was pleased with the results.

To prep my hair for my relaxer I based my scalp, nape, and hairline with Vaseline. I also used a method of Jen from Just Grow Already and twisted my hair in sections to make it easier to apply the relaxer.

Face is blurred out because it was late and I was tired!

To protect my previous relaxed hair I used EVOO on half my hair and the protector provided in the kit on the other half. I wanted to see if there was a difference between the two. I didn't notice a difference so in the future I'll be using what is provided in the kit. I had a hard time deciding if I would add EVOO to the relaxer to slow down the process since I knew I wanted to texlax. I decided not to add the EVOO, but to instead decrease the relaxing time. It took me 15 minutes to apply the relaxer, smooth, and rinse out the relaxer. I wanted to do a mid protein step with Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, but I missed the BSS so I had to use what I had on hand, ORS Replenishing Conditioner.

After relaxing I added everything provided in the relaxer besides the moisturizer and air-dried in a pony tail. The next time I relax I will add EVOO to slow down the relaxing process. My hair was not relaxed bone straight, but I want more texture. I am very pleased with the health and length retention of my hair since starting my hair journey. I will continue with my regimen and using the products that work for my hair. Now to the length check.

Jan 2012 vs May 2012

My ends need dusting, but I'm not sure if I will do it before my next relaxer. I might wait. Well until next time be Blutiful and Blessed!

Reading Challenge Update

Before I start with the real topic of this post let me just add that I will be posting my relaxer update and length check post before the end of the week. Be on the look out!

As you know I have started a 50 book reading challenge to be completed by Sept 23. I will post the link with details when I get to a computer. So far I have completed one book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I'm now reading two other books. The first one is Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson. The second book is The Lying Game by Sara Shepard. This book is base on the TV series The Lying Game that comes on ABC. It is already very different from the series. So far I like both books.

I'm trying to decide if I want to invest in an E-Reader so I am reading Irresistible Forces on my tablet and The Lying Game is an actual book. So at I read more with the actual book. I'm not sure if it's only because the Lying Game is more interesting than Irresistible Forces. I may purchase The Lying Game for my tablet so I have a more accurate comparison. I hope to finish both books by the end of next week.

I will be adding a post of books I'm interested in reading during this challenge. If you have any suggestions please leave me a comment below. I read a wide variety of genres. Until next time stay Blutiful and blessed!

One Lovely Blog Award

I received the One Lovely Blog Award from Blessed Tresses , What's Up With My Hair, and SpecialK. I'm very honored and find it incredible that people find my blog informative and lovely! These ladies each have awesome blogs and you should check them out by clicking on the links.

The rules requires me to share 7 random facts about myself and award 15 other bloggers.

7 Facts

1. I'm a band geek. I've been playing the flute for 14 years, Piccolo for 8. I've also taken lessons to learn Piano, Oboe, and Bells. I can dabble with the latter, but I'm not very advanced. I also LOVE listening to HBCU bands. I played in the band at Tuskegee University for 3 years. Shoutout to the Marching Crimson Piper Band.
2. I've decided to give up watching reality TV for a season. It is starting to become too trashy.
3. I taught myself how to swim but jumping in pool (8ft) and going.
4. I'm originally from Wisconsin. 
5. I love Lion King on Broadway and I can not wait to see it this summer!
6. I hate the color pink!
7. I've never been to a spa, but it is something I plan to do in the near future.

Everyone I would have chosen has already been given the award. 

April Recap

April has been a very good month for me and my hair. I have done more than what I expected to do to my hair. I've done 2 dry flexi-rod sets which came out pretty well. Now I want to get the spiral look with flexi-rods. Like the one Ebony in this post or Shika in this post. Co-washing has become

1. M&S nightly- Fail! One day I will get better with this. 
2. Oil scalp at least 3x/wk- Fail!! 
3. wrap hair with a satin scarf nightly- Fail! I started off doing great, but then I slacked off. 
4. Co-wash at least 1x/wk- This is very important since I'm further along in my relaxer stretch.- Success!!
5. DC 1x/wk- I'll probably do this with my co-wash on dry hair because my responds well to DCing on dry hair. Doing it this way also eliminates a step when washing. - Success!
6. Wash at least bi-weekly- I will attempt to wash weekly, but with 25 days left before graduation I have an exit exam, paper, last exams, and finals. I don't want to commit to more than I can handle.- Success!!
7. Low manipulative styles 95% of the time. I will probably bun so that I won't have to manipulate my new growth.- Success
8. No direct heat- I only plan on one set this month for the roller-setting challenge and then it's back to bunning.- Success

Flexi-Rod Sets. The last two pics are from the set. The same color shirts throws it off.

Buns for the month. Top 2 pic is an air-dried pony tail

ConGRADs to me!

Sorry for the horrible quality

I finally graduated from college with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. I'm extremely proud that I have accomplished a life long goal of mine. I'm thankful for all the love and support from my family and friends throughout the years. All the long nights and tears have finally paid off. Maybe in a later post I will share my personal struggle with college. For now I just want to enjoy the positives! Now I'm ready to pass my NCLEX on the first try!

ECP's Banging and Swanging Contest

Ebony from Longing4length.com is hosting a challenge for body and hair and I decided to join. Check out the link and join! The more the merrier! The rules are as follow:

Rules:

• The challenge will be begin on May 1 and run until August 31.
• To compete for the challenge grand prize you must post (or submit by email) a picture of both your starting and ending weight with a date stamp.  If you do not want your weight posted, that is a-okay by me!  I just need to have something to prove your progress.
• You do not have to compete for the grand prize, you can join the challenge and participate in the monthly challenges *yes there will be monthly challenges again! yay!* and just be here for motivation and inspiration.
• Check in monthly on my official check-in posts.
• Sign up by leaving a comment below and include some of your goals: hair and body!
• Protective style your hair at LEAST 50% of the time.  This can be done any way you choose: 2 weeks out of the month, 3-4 days per week, every other day or a true hideaway style like wigs or braids...its all up to you!  You don't have to submit a starting length photo but they are always great for personal progress! (see definition at bottom of the post if necessary)
• Exercise at LEAST 3 times per week.
• This challenge is not only for those who wish to lose weight, its for anyone who wants to get fit and tone up as well.  So take your starting measurements, a starting photo something that helps you track your body transfromation!

My personal goals for the challenge are:
1. Tone
2. Work on a flat stomach
3. Make working out become second nature
4. Stick with my regimen and what works for my hair
5. Learn at least one new style

I will be posting a starting picture and weight soon.

Relaxer Prep

I'm relaxing my hair next week Tuesday or Wednesday for my graduation. I still have not decided on which relaxer I will be using. I'm in between two (Lye vs No Lye). I guess I will be making my decision sometime this weekend.

To prep my hair for my relaxer I plan on making today my wash day. I will do a hard protein treatment with an egg and clarify. I will make sure that I detangle very thoroughly in small sections. I will also make sure not to use any gel on my hair and use very little product on my hair this week. I don't want to cause build up and I also don't want anything slowing down my processing time even more than what I already plan on doing.

I don plan on texlaxing my hair with this relaxer. I'm not sure if I will add an oil or just decrease the time I allow it to stay in my hair. I'm thinking that adding oil may work best for me because my hair processes extremely fast!

I will try to remember to take some pictures of my new-growth with this wash and come back and update this post.

Until next time HHG and stay blessed!