Beautiful Flower

KONY 2012 - MAKE KONY FAMOUS & BRING HIM TO JUSTICE

2012-03-07T18:48:00.002-05:00

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

New Year...New Style

2012-01-12T18:24:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year Beautiful Flowers. This is starting off fabulous and I am wanted to start this fabulous year with a fabulous and daring new do. What do you think?

I think short hair suits me well...I may have to cut my real hair. Its actually shoulder length though it looks neck length and its the same length all around with a front swoopin bang... I LOVE IT! So easy to style too

I'm ready to relax

2011-12-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

Its been 8 weeks and I took out my weave. My hair is soooo dirty. I am excited to relax it and give it some tender love and care.

LMAO! I look mad crazy. My fro is like a foot high!

Here's my before pic:

Here's my after pic:

Deuces!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Beautiful Flowers

2011-11-24T01:37:00.001-05:00

As we begin to close another year, I'm grateful to God for his provisions and protection all this year. I so look forward to what he has in store for me in 2012. More good things are coming my way.

Though today is a day intended to be a reminder to remember what you're thankful for, we should be thankful every single day.

It is truly the state of mind where we 1) acknowledge God is sovereign over all, 2) being optimistic is more fruitful than being pessimistic, & 3) happiness is a choice, that we find life to be most beautiful....an unfolding, flourishing beautiful flower.

With Love,
Beautiful Flower

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Loving This Hair

2011-10-16T15:51:00.001-04:00

Outre Velvet Remy Baby!!!

From FashionJunkee.com

Draping Backless Dress

Back of Dress

New Hair Style... I LOVE IT

2011-10-15T13:37:00.000-04:00

Hey Beautiful Flowers,

I got a weave. I love it. My hair has been in desperate need of a break. Because my current position puts me in front of alot of "important" people, my hair game needs to be on point and I don't have time to do my hair. I also don't want to jeopardize my progress. I got something shorter and sassy. I also tried a hint of color in the front which came out great. Its a nice brastrap length in the back.

Styled by Arlene's Creations Hair Salon in Yeadon, PA

This style was my inspiration.

Faux Rollerset and Pin Curl Pt1

2011-10-11T13:16:00.000-04:00

This is a tutorial on how to do a faux rollerset with a flatiron, barrel curler, and duck bill clips. I also maintain it for a whole week by pin curling nightly. Pin curling is the absolute truth.

Finished Result

Faux Rollerset and Pin Curl Tutorial to come

2011-10-04T09:14:00.001-04:00

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On my way to work

2011-10-03T09:26:00.001-04:00

Have a blessed day!

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I'ma Fight Back Right Now

2011-09-22T23:28:00.000-04:00

Greetings from San Francisco and My Blog Slacking

2011-09-18T23:54:00.002-04:00

I'm back in San Francisco again. Ive been out here a little over a week. I've been traveling on the West for some time now. Went to Vegas too. Fun fun fun. I'll be back in Los Angeles in the morning.

I really like the West. On another note...I've been crazy busy and work has me traveling alot.

Needless to say I haven't had time to make a video for doing the perfect pin curl set. I will. It's easy and results are great.

These are the bags I've been living out of the last few weeks. I kind of miss my room now.

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Greetings from Los Angeles

2011-09-07T15:07:00.001-04:00

Day 4 of Salon Hair with pin curl...I LOVE PIN CURLing!!!!!

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Today's Salon Visit & Design Essentials

2011-09-03T15:26:00.003-04:00

Better Pictures

Fresh Outta the Salon

2011-09-03T09:32:00.001-04:00

Good news is my hair looks great and it's still long. Bad news is it's not getting much longer than waistlength but that's 100% my fault.

I have been slacking with a capital SLACK ever since I hit waist. My stylist told me no more slack if I don't want me hair to get shorter. So...my new regimen will include no more stretching past 12weeks (I use more heat when I strength) and leave-in and oil morning and night.

I'm back to aggressive hair growing.

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Let Irene Do Her Thang...Do a BURPEE

2011-08-27T22:10:00.002-04:00

Well I am sure everyone is in the house waiting out Irene...with lights on or off by now, it would be a great time to get in a good workout. I workout at home and in the gym. I started only at the gym but due to my work schedule and being "harassed" in the weight room, I like to workout at home now alot.

I know alot of people say they can't workout at home and for many years I was one of those people. But once you get in the groove of things you actually accomplish alot at home in a shorter period of time. I used to do primarily weight lifting but I got bored. Sooooo now I do cardio, strength trainer, plyometrics, and weight lifting.

My two main tools for working out at home are BodyRock.tv and my Gymboss Interval Timer (in pink of course). Zuzana is an amazing fitness guru and she has a very similar build to my own (she got more top, I got more bottom hehehe). I follow her workouts at home and the gym. I pick a routine and go for it. Her workouts are based on a fitness training concept called High Intensity Interval Training and boy am I glad I found out about it.

They are challenging, short (12mins mostly - 30mins), and produce great results. I am much stronger now then when I was only lifting heavy in the gym. My hamstrings are finally rounding out. My arms are more defined. My abs are more defined. I love it. She has almost 600 videos....Endless workouts to choose from.

I still go to the gym to lift heavy with my legs because I don't have the equipment at home. I will one day though.

If you don't know what a BURPEE is...View video below:

Post-workout glow =D

How I feel about this class?

2011-08-17T19:55:00.002-04:00

I haven't done a Hair of the Day in a while. So while I'm in my virtual course, I decided to take a picture. As you can see on my face, this is how I feel about this right now.

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Inadvertently Stretching Longer Again

2011-08-03T19:46:00.000-04:00

I decided to hold off on relaxing my hair at the end of July or get a weave. August is going to be crazy but September is going to be worst so I have opted to wait till September. I am heading back to Cali for a week and I want to make sure I'll looking right. I seriously need to move to Cali....or Texas...but I am bias for Cali right now. Hehehe...anyway.

Stay Beautiful Flowers....

Leading A Healthier Life and Reaping the Benefits

2011-07-24T16:17:00.003-04:00

I was apprehensive about posting my fitness results but I looked at some old and new pictures (Sept 2010 | July 2011), and I impressed myself. LOL! I was like wow, there really is a difference. I look more solid, rounder, toned, and lifted all over. I love my results and I am in the best shape of my life.

I have been diligent in the gym for the past 5 months so I want to switch it up now (I've been working out on and off for 6 years now). Maybe try to BodyRock workouts daily to become super toned and cut or the Butt Bible regimen to get that Serena Williams action. Maybe both.

I hope you ladies are leading healthier lives, looking better, and feeling your best too.

My Workout Routine: My Workout Regimen

Big Hair and Dresses...My Loves

2011-07-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to lie...I do not like doing only buns though I have been doing that for the most part. I do 95% dry with Silicon Mix coated hair and it made for a pretty decent braidout. This was toward the end of the day and the waves dropped but it was nice.

Then I hit the town for the night...

Then I added a beautiful flower the next day and I felt very chic and classic in a deep blue dress

Was playing with a smoothing filter on my phone. Nice huh?

Update on the Go!

2011-07-14T18:37:00.001-04:00

I love this phone.

YouTube Video

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I'm Due

2011-07-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

I'm due for a relaxer & trim month end but I've been thinking of getting a weave instead. I haven't had one seen beginning of 2010 and I'm in the mood for a change. I'm much to cowardly to cut my hair so weaves afford the option to change hair without the sacrifice. So I'm thinking of the styles below:

Dramatic and Long and Shiny Black Full Closure

Short Sassy and Sexy Chic and Shiny Black Full Closure

Medium Length with Lots of Levels and Volume in Highlighted Soft Brown

Suggestions?

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Getting It In

2011-07-10T23:42:00.001-04:00

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I Swear I Can't Sit Still

2011-07-01T15:33:00.003-04:00

But I'm taking you'll with me...

I'm going to get off work in 30 minutes or less and hit the road. Heading to Philly for the weekend but I wish I made plans for Jersey Shore ...oh well maybe next weekend.

So far this summer has been even better than last summer and 2010s summer was pretty dang awesome. I'm in the best shape of my life and I'm never home. The way it should be. I need a beach to show off all my hard work. LMBO!

Later BeautifulFlowers!

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Back to the Basics for a While

2011-06-27T14:32:00.001-04:00

I feel the need to destress my hair and go back to the basics with buns primarily. I love braidouts but the EZ Combs are beginning to pull at my left and right edges because my hair is getting thicker and requires more tension to keep in place.

That's not my best bun but it is today's bun.

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Humidity Guarded Hair

2011-06-26T20:16:00.002-04:00

The Orlando heat is no joke. No braidout is safe. I didn't bring the proper leave in to combat the humidity.

I decided to do a detangle and individual twist.

Then I let it loose for my last night out on the town.

It was product heavy but it got the job done.

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Greetings from Orlando

2011-06-23T19:04:00.001-04:00

Hanging at the Carnival with my family. I love you guys.

I was having a very good hair night

2011-06-21T18:21:00.003-04:00

Heading out to feed my face...

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Greetings from San Francisco

2011-06-18T21:55:00.003-04:00

On my way to Monterey...

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Where is she off to now?

2011-06-17T10:22:00.002-04:00

It's summer so I gotta go.

On the plane...about to take off.

See you in...(location to come)

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My Interview with Relaxed Hair Health Blogspot

2011-06-17T00:49:00.003-04:00

Hello Beautiful Flowers. I was asked to participate in an interview for a Healthy Hair Spotlight. Of course, I said yes and answered all her questions in detail. I love giving hair advice and I love when tips work for people. Anyway you can read the interview at Relaxed Hair Health Blogspot or read the Q&A below:

You shared on your blog that you were inspired by some of the greats on LHCF including Syvler77, what were some of the tips you learned that really helped you in your journey?

I based my regimen over the years by mixing and matching the techniques of my relaxed legends. I think some of the main tips I have learned are:
- Air drying doesn’t always look pretty but it will keep the hair on your head
- Make braidouts and buns your default
- Stretch relaxers at least 3 months at a time
- Moisture is your friend
- Low to no heat but sometimes a little heat can make your hair feel a lot better

Your hair is super thick, are you doing long term stretches? When you relax, are you using a milder formula to texlax? How do you maintain your thickness

My only and last long term stretch was before this past relaxer and it lasted from November to May (24 weeks). I usually do 3 months at a time. I think I will do another 24 week stretch.
I have always had thick, dense hair but it has increased in thickness since starting my hair journey. Air drying, stretching, moisturizing, detangling properly, and heat reduction makes a difference in hair density. I suggest going for a blunt cut then adding layaers after you’ve reached your hair goal to add dimension for those with thinner hair. Also your ends will get thin over time so I dust with every relaxer and do a good self-trim once a year. If you can find a stylist you trust to trim you, I recommend going to that person. They can see what you cannot.
I do relax with a regular strength lye relaxer always. I do not consider myself texlax’d. Why? I relax my hair in a way to keep the hair stronger by not killing all my protein bonds. I also fear burning my scalp so I prefer to smooth and rinse as quickly as possible. I don’t relax to keep it thick but it does help maintain volume. If you’ll like at a strand of my hair it’s not straight nor does it have any particular wave/curl pattern. I don’t know if that makes sense. LOL.

Based on the photos from you blog, you don't seem like a consistent protective styler. How do you wear your hair day to day?

I don’t. LOL! But my defaults are braidouts (pinned up, straight-down, half-n-half), buns (all kinds), and ponytails. I do more braidouts now than anything. When I was Mid-back and shorter, I did mostly buns. I do ponytails on old straighten hair or old braidout hair. I have been rollersetting a lot lately so I rock ponytails then morph to braidouts like today. I also LOVE Ez-combs so I wear these alot now. I have 6 and they are super cute and easy to use.

If you're stranded on a desert island. What three products do you take with you?

It would be a good shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in. Currently that would be:
-Crème of Nature Detangling Shampoo
-Queen Helene Cholesterol Conditioner
-Silicon Mix Intensive Leave-in Conditioner (this stuff is AMAZING)
If I could add three tools: a medium tooth comb, scarf, and perm rods.

What's has worked for you to help retain length? Have you dealt with excessive breakage?

I have not dealt with excessive breakage since I started my journey. Regular Breakage? Yes…everyday. I manage it with maintaining my protein-moisture balance. I do that by doing moisture during the week with leave-in and co-washing, a deep condition overnight once a week, and one protein infused conditioner on the weekend. This typically keeps me in check.
I also retain length with low to no heat styles. I may blow dry once a month and flat iron once every 2 to 3 months. DETANGLING PROPERLY and GENTLY. This cannot be stressed enough. This will help or break (literally) your hair progress. Use a proper comb, a lot of leave-in, work from bottom to top, work in sections, and be patient. And I use leave-in of some sort EVERYDAY. If I flat iron, I use a serum EVERYDAY.

Do you support healthy hair nutritionally? If so, how?

I do but it’s not intentionally. I work out 4 days a week and have been doing this off and on the last 6 years. Protein drinks really help nails and hair. I also do not eat a lot of junk but I don’t deny myself either. I practice moderation. I do not take vitamins and I don’t drink as much water as I should. I’m getting better though.

How do you maintain moisture on such a thick head of hair?

I moisturize EVERYDAY and I pay attention the ends. And a lot of times, if my hair feels dry, I just hop in the shower and wet my hair. I love water on my scalp.

Any setbacks?

Twice. It was more like ripped out hair in sections. I tried Curlformers once and never again. My hair was too thick and too many textures for that. Another time I shampoo’d my hair after coming out of a 2 month weave without detangling. BIG NO NO. My hair knotted and matted like nothing before. It took 2 days and a lot of conditioner to remove all the shed and knotted hair. I lost a lot of hair (good and shed hair) but because of patience, conditioner, and a rat tooth comb, I keep a lot of hair too.

Before your recent trim, you were a member of the waist length club, was it like everything you imagined it would be?

Yes and no. Waist length is long to most everyone that sees you and you can play with the length but hip length is yummy. It felt nice to have the hair grazing the bottom of my back after a wash. My air dried hair hung a lot lower and my braid-outs looked crazy long. I am shooting for hip length again. I hope to be there again by the end of this year or early next year and I’ll be maintaining that length.

What are the three pieces of advice for someone just starting in or struggling with their hair journey?

- RESEARCH. I spent hours and days and months researching about hair, hair science, moisture, protein, products, and techniques. Research the regimens of people that have the length you want. Try it out. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, dispose of it. Ultimately, you’re making your own regimen. It will take time and your regimen will be ever changing but you’ll find what works if you don’t give up.
- Products only make your hair manageable; they do not grow your hair. Find products that make your hair feel soft, light, strong and smell good.
- Patience. The progress is coming. If it’s not, look at the regimen of some one that has your goal and see what you may be missing. Give your regimen 6 months at least to decide your process isn’t working.

My Workout Regimen

2011-06-15T23:09:00.006-04:00

See My Results after 5 months

I have been getting alot of questions about my workout regimen. I know just as many women want to gain a little weight, as there are many that want to lose.

Me Being Silly and Looking A Mess

My workouts focus on getting strong, looking feminine, and feeling confident in your skin. It also focuses on adding inches which means adding pounds (lean muscle mass and fat).

I have a workout regimen guideline but my workouts tend to deviate from workout to workout. All the guidelines below I do personally for myself so I know it works for me and they may work for you too.

I use Full Fitness app to log my workout. I highly recommend this app. I use it during my workouts while listening to my iPod.

WORKOUT to GAIN PRINCIPLES:

- EAT! You got to give your body something to work with. I had to keep a food dairy at first to count calories. I focused on high protein and high calorie foods when I started loading. Google to find foods you're willing to eat that will give you the protein/calorie combo you're looking for.

- Flat stomach and defined abs are the result of proper diets.....than exercise. Be careful with fat, it will go to your stomach and all the working out in the world won't help you.

- Drink protein after every workout (VERY IMPORTANT whether losing or gaining). I like Muscle Milk any flavor.

- Proper form is key. Ask a trainer or watch workout videos to learn how to do an exercise.

-RESISTANCE, RESISTANCE, RESISTANCE....get in the weight room. You will not bulk up without your permission. Trust me. You will not get that body you want on the treadmill.

- For lower body, squats in all variations, lunges in all variations, deadlifts in all variations.

- For bubble glutes, do alot of single leg exercises (very very key). Take exercises that require two legs and see if you can start isolating each leg like leg press, leg curls, squats etc.

- Only work each muscle GROUP once or twice per week. I do legs twice a week 72 hours apart. Your muscles need rest to grow.

- I do minimal cardio; only do it to warm up for 10 mins before each work out. I believe resistance training yields you the greatest results faster.

- MUSIC...I never workout without music in my ears. It keeps the workout from being boring.

- You should be sweating every workout. Thanks D.A.M.

- I aim for a little muscle tenderness/soreness (not pain) after each workout.

- To increase intensity, go a little slower and a little heavy (this is relative).

- If you want to keep your breast, be cognizant of the amount of bodyfat you are losing. I never work the chest directly though. A little chest work can give you the appearance of great cleavage. If you have implants, you're good.

MY STANDARD LEGS and GLUTES WORKOUT
All exercises I tend to do 10-15 reps x 3 sets unless otherwise stated. (Disclaimer: I am not going to post what I lift because you need to determine what is comfortable for you.)

Monday
Barball Back or Smith Machine Squat
Bulgarian Split Squat (Single Leg)
Machine Leg Press (First with both legs than with each leg on slightly lower weight)
Power Clean
Hack Squat Machine (quite challenging but worth it)
Hamstring/Leg Curl
Leg Extensions
Side Lunge

Thursday
Dumbbell Single-Leg Dead-lift
Bench or Swiss-ball Glute Bridge
Barbell Overhead Squat
Dead-lifts
Donkey Kicks (50 reps)
Swiss-ball Wall Squat
Superman

MY STANDARD CORE/AB WORKOUT
Tuesday
Bench Leg Raise
Bridge Crunch
Elevated-feet Plank (30 secs x 3 sets)
Cable Torso Rotation
Standing Medicine-ball Diagonal Lifts
Modified V-sit
Prone Knee Tuck

MY STANDARD ARMS/BACK WORK
Wednesday
Concentrated Dumbbell Curl
Ez-Curl Bar
Tricep Pulldown
Bench Dip
Lat Pulldown
Back Raise
Low Pulley Rows

My New Favorite Shirt and Workout Update

2011-06-14T11:50:00.001-04:00

I started a new workout regimen about 4 months ago and I am a gym rat again. Many know I have always been very petite. The only way I can gain weight (in the right places) is to workout. I went from 100 lb. to 112 lb. and I LOVE IT! Everyone says the extra weight looks really good on me. I think so too.

I work out 4 days a week and I plan to add another 3 lb. But I'm debating this because I am already on the verge of ripping most my favorite bottoms. I don't look forward to financially investing in a new set of bottoms.

So to all my skinny-minis, PICK A FIGHT and get in shape!!!

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Bantu Knot Gone Wrong

2011-06-14T11:31:00.003-04:00

I tried something different last night. A bantu knot. I did eight. I got learn how to separate them properly. Anyway, it made for a decent up-do.

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My CHI and Babyliss Results - Swingin' Blingin' Hair

2011-05-30T22:32:00.004-04:00

I flat ironed my hair before I went out of town to Seattle, Washington & Vancouver, British Columbia. I typically redo my braidouts every day or every other day so straight hair is alot less maintenance. My host laughed at me when I washed my hair the last night because I was sooo anxious to get water on my scalp. I missed it so much, LMAO!

I highly recommend using Chi products with Chi appliances. It makes a BIG difference.

Anywho, here are pictures and a video of the result.

Greetings from the US-Canadian Border

2011-05-28T14:07:00.001-04:00

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Hey Beautiful Flowers...Random Hair Pics to Share

2011-05-20T21:46:00.000-04:00

New Toys from TJMaxx

2011-05-17T14:24:00.002-04:00

I picked up to new 'toys' from TJMaxx yesterday. I have been over due for a new blowdryer and flatiron for a while. My stylist/cousin told me I better stop using cheap quality stuff in my hair. She's right!

CHI Ergonomic Auto Digital Ceramic Iron for $70 (retails at $140)

Babyliss Pro Ceramix Xtreme 2000 Watt Blowdryer (in grey) for $25 (retails at $70)

TJMaxx is a great place to get high end stuff (including hair products and tools) for very cheap.

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Going Out Tonight...Feeling New!!!

2011-05-07T20:55:00.001-04:00

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My Half-n-Half Self Relaxing Method (with written instructions)

2011-05-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

Tools:

Fine tooth comb

Gloves

Disposable Shower Cap

Hawaiian Silky Relaxer – Regular/Normal

Isoplus Neutralizing Shampoo

Aphogee Keratin 2 minute Reconstructor

Vaseline

Any leave-in/light conditioner

Hair holders

Hair clips

Unless you are confident you can quickly apply and evenly apply a relaxer on your hair yourself, please do not self-relax. Go to a professional or someone you can trust to help you apply. Learning to properly apply a relaxer takes time and willingness to take risk with your hair. I learned through trial and error. I have been self-relaxing for 4 years but I used to do it when I was younger so I had base knowledge on relaxing my hair. It is very important to becoming knowledgeable on relaxers and how to apply before attempting to relax.

Tips to consider before you relax:

1. Relaxer can be very dangerous if not applied properly. Please apply a relaxer with proper knowledge and preparation for the relaxer process.

2. Assess the state of your scalp before applying a relaxer. Relaxers should be done on a healthy scalp and healthy, strong hair. If your hair is breaking severely, you are shedding excessively, you are balding in anyway, please consult a hair care professional restore your hair to a healthy state and teach you to care for your hair on your own. I was going to a salon for 2 years before I started my self-styled journey.

3. Apply relaxer to dry hair. Dry hair is more stable and wet hair is more elastic. You want to apply a relaxer to stable hair. Also it is likely you have been scratching your scalp with you got your hair wet with shampooing.

4. Scratching your scalp before relaxing is a big mistake. Wait at least 24 hours before you relax. If not, it will burn like (pardon my French) hell.

5. I believe relaxer are intended to relax the curls in your hair to achieve more manageable hair. However, many users tend to use it to make their hair completely straight. I do not recommend relaxing hair to obtain completely straight (or bone straight results). Relaxing bone straight can results in increase hair breakage in the future because you have destroyed the protein bonds in your hair that give it strength. Always relax leaving texture in the hair.

6. The texture of your hair should determine the strength on your relaxer. Fine textured hair should consider a mild to regular formula. Medium textured should consider a regular formula. Coarse (or resistant) textures should consider regular to super formula. I personally do not recommend anything higher than regular if you are not getting your hair done by a professional. Super formula’s process quickly and you run the risk of burning your scalp.

7. The battle between lye and no-lye choice of relaxer depends of many factors. I use lye relaxer (or no activator mixed in). Most salons use lye relaxers. Please do your research on Google to understand the differences between them. It would be far too much detail to go into on this video.

Relaxer Steps:

1. Part hair in 4.

2. Part hair in about half inch horizontal sections. Base scalp with Vaseline. This helps protect your scalp from the relaxer. You should never apply the relaxer directly to the scalp but only to the new growth. However, it is common for it to get on the scalp when smoothing and when applying. Avoid this as much as possible because it will burn your scalp.

3. The top two halves put up in a bun and cover with a plastic cap. Make sure the edge on the cap sits in the part between the top half and the bottom half.

4. You can apply a little conditioner, leave-in or moisturizer to the ends of your hair to help protect from the relaxer that will run down your hair when you rinse it out. Ready to apply relaxer.

5. Put on gloves. Many users use a brush. I prefer to use my fingers because I can not see the back when I am relaxing so I must feel my way through.

6. Re-part hair sections. Apply relaxer to new growth ONLY. Since you can not see, you’ll need to be able to feel the difference between new growth and relaxed hair.

7. Go through entire bottom half of hair.

8. When complete, smooth relaxer in with a fine tooth comb. Smooth along the parts and do not forget the edges. Smooth until it feels straight.

9. I do not let it sit and process. I immediately wash out. This helps to keep my hair from relaxing straight.

10. I wash hair will neutralizer shampoo. I wash hair about 2 to 3 times.

11. That last wash I leave the shampoo in my hair, twist into a bun, and cover with a cap. Remember edge of cap in part. This helps my hair to continue to neutralize as I finish relaxing my hair.

12. Repeat steps 4 through 9 on top of the head.

13. I wash out the entire head now until hair is completely clear of all trance relaxer. I know this by using a color alarm neutralizing shampoo.

14. After shampoo, I apply my ceramide-keratin-porosity control mix to hair. This help to repair the hair cuticle to normal and enrich the keratin back in the hair.

Yay!!! I Got My Hur Did!

2011-05-07T16:17:00.002-04:00

I finally got my hair trimmed and styled by someone other than myself after 4 years. I am very happy with the results.

I am back to a past mid back but I'm sure I'll be back to past waist length by end of 2011.

Salon and Stylist Info
Arlene Thomas, owner of Arlene's Creation
1100 Chester Ave
Yeadon, PA (Philly Area)

Arlene is all about healthy long hair and she is the best weavologist in the Philly area and beyond (people travel far to come to her). She cut off only what was necessary and she's going to continue to help me reach hip length with a U shape). She's a stylist that can be trusted with your long locks.

Her assistant Stacy was soooo gentle with my shampoo, detangle, and blow-dry. I was amazed to have someone in my hair that does it as gentle as me.

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Spoken Word by Marcia L Buford

2011-04-30T23:17:00.000-04:00

This is my mother. I am sooooo proud of her. She did a spoken word session of her poetry from her book Living Abundantly - Going Deeper in Him (Yes, my mother is a published author). She is truly, truly an amazing woman of God. If I am half the woman she is one day, God has truly blessed me. I am the woman I am today because of the principles she instilled in me and because of her many, many prayers for me. Thank You Mommy. I Love You!!!

Today's Hair - Stretch OVER

2011-04-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

This is the day after my relaxer and black rinse. Videos coming very soon. I am also getting my hair trimmed and styled this coming weekend. VERY EXCITED about this...definitely gotta go out after. Can't get sexy and stay in the house.

1 day post :P

Relaxer and Color Video Coming Soon

2011-04-29T12:27:00.000-04:00

6 Month Relaxer Stretching Tips by request

2011-04-26T18:22:00.000-04:00

Blowdry Tutorial & My Products

2011-04-22T23:15:00.002-04:00

Final Result

Today's Hair (Harajuku Big Bun)

2011-04-21T19:36:00.001-04:00


Before


After

22 weeks post

I am Fiening for You Bad...Sigh

2011-04-19T09:29:00.004-04:00

It would be nice to one day go natural and leave the relaxers alone but today is not the day. I am fiening like a crackhead for a relaxer right now. LMAO!!! I am going on 22 weeks so I have two more weeks to go. OHYEABABY!!!! The two extreme textures are killing me but my hair isnt breaking much so I am happy about that.

I have dreams about doing wonderful things to my hair and running my hands through insanely detangled hair. Sigh...summer's approaching and I need to get READY for it fo' sure.

Two more weeks...Ayannah...you can do it girl...you can do it.

Ok so this is what I am planning to do:

Relaxing with Hawaiian Silky and follow up with a Keratin/Ceramide special mix (you'll get the recipe for this later)
Dominican cellophane treatment in Black (I wanna do blue black but thats hard to find)
Cut...I don't know how much I am going to take off but I am going to tighten up these ends real good
Straigthen and curls so it can be puurrtty

Beautiful Flowers for Beautiful Flower

2011-04-15T09:28:00.001-04:00

I did a little eBay shopping this morning and purchased some hair treats. I am excited for their arrival. After I relax my hair, I will be able to do some things with my hair that I haven't been able to do and use my new hair treats for an added touch.

I can't wait to be able to do my Harajuku Big Bun with my flowers, lay out on the beach, with a fruity drink, and a two piece.

Gorgeous EZ Hair Combs

Hawaiian Plumeria Foam Flower Clips

Reducing My Risk of a Heart Attack

2011-04-12T11:30:00.004-04:00

I read an article today explaining sitting for long periods of time increases your chance of getting a heart attack by 54%!!!!

You should get up and walk at least twice an hour so I took a hair break!!! :D

I'm going on 21 weeks post and my hair is just big. I LOVE these EZ Comb hair accessories. They flatten my hair enough for it to look nice throughout the day. I need to get some more in different colors. I only have black and brown now.

Approaching 21 weeks post

Thick and Nappy :P

EZ Comb tames the top

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20 weeks Post

2011-04-11T14:16:00.001-04:00

My hair isn't fun anymore. Lol. It's just big and with every week looks shorter because the new growth is piling up. I'm sooo ready for a relaxer and a hair cut. Just 4 more weeks to go...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mrs. O Great Dating Advice

2011-04-04T10:53:00.003-04:00

If anyone knows me, they know I LOVE MY PRESIDENT and I love MY FLOTUS. She's on my top 4 of black women that inspire me (My mom (Powerful praying woman), Linda Gooden (EVP of Lockheed Martin), Joan S. Langdon (My old computer science professor & employer), Michelle Obama (nuff said)).

She gave some great dating advice on CBS and I co-sign completely with it.

Cute’s good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it’s, Who are you as a person? That’s the advice I would give to women: Don’t look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women. How he acts with children he doesn’t know. And, more important, how does he treat you? When you’re dating a man, you should always feel good. You should never feel less than. You should never doubt yourself. You shouldn’t be in a relationship with somebody who doesn’t make you completely happy and make you feel whole. And if you’re in that relationship and you’re dating, then my advice is, don’t get married. Get out of it and find that person that brings you complete and utter joy with who you are at the moment.

Today's Hair

2011-04-03T20:45:00.000-04:00

My daily french braid for the week. Its coming undone but it works. I throw a perm rod on it and it will be fine.

19 weeks post

Hair Catcher & Drain Protector

2011-03-24T18:43:00.000-04:00

Today's Hair & New Hair Toy

2011-03-19T16:51:00.001-04:00

EZ-Comb

Loving this EZ-Comb

17 Weeks Post

Hair Regimen and Hair Thickening Tips

2011-03-18T21:03:00.001-04:00

Detangle For Stretching - My New Detangle Method

2011-03-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

Tonight's Hair (Video to Come)

2011-03-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

I detangled my hair differently and this is the end results.

Video on this method for detangling during stretching to loss less hair is coming soon.

17 weeks post

Just had to say it...

2011-03-11T12:20:00.001-05:00

I love my job!!!
Time to update my resume....

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Totally Made My Day

2011-03-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

When I think about all the blessings God has given to me, I can't help but to remember the blessings of those that were from a different time in my life. I miss the days when friendship was pure and life was a little more simple. I also am appreciative of those friends that are more like extended family.

To the Nwoke's: I miss all 50 of ya'll....sike j/k...Love you guys!

Totally made my day

Hair Crisis

2011-03-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

Small vent...

Tonight I decided to be a genius so I co-washed and then detangled in the shower. I got this bright idea knowing that detangling in the shower does not work well for me because shower detangling combs do not get the sheds out properly. Sigh...

After I was done, my hair (while still in the shower) felt like straw. Then I get out the shower and I still have to detangle. After some S-curl and Wave Nauveau (sp?) it feels better but there are ALOT of tangles in the center of my hair.

Moral of the Story: Go with what you KNOW works for your hair. Do nothing else fancy. Simple is better...need I say more?

Vent closed.

Relaxed Volume

2011-03-05T17:26:00.000-05:00

I am actually enjoying stretching. I usually freak out at 12 weeks because my hair becomes unruly. But with the right products, maintenance is made easy. And I am digging the volume from the new growth. I am relaxed and I have natural-like volume. Loving it!

Hehehe...excuse my chillin and tryin be sexy look....lol

15 weeks post

Praise Report!!!

2011-03-03T13:38:00.001-05:00

You all may think I'm silly but I count the small blessings in life because I know the big ones are coming.

So I ordered a DSLR camera on Tuesday. It was a SUPER deal. They had multiple color options and me, being a girl, chose Pink. How girly and me right?!?

So I went to place the order but no more Pink. All gone. So after much internal debate, I settled for Purple. Still girly, still me, still happy.

I went on about my business with thoughts of my coming new Purple camera. I'm ramping up my artistic arsenal for some major plans & ministry I have in the works this year.

Then this morning I get an email saying my order has been changed. What??!?? Please don't tell me I gotta settle again for a Black or Red one (red is my fav color but I already have a red point-n-shoot). Nope, I've been upgraded to Pink!!!!

Then they have the nerve to ask if I don't want it, I can cancel my order. Are you crazy?!?! That's the one I wanted in the first place.

Praise God!!!! Lol! I know it's silly but count all your blessings because God pays attention!!!

Can't wait to take new sexy hair pics.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:In heaven

I've Been Featured! I'm So Tickled!

2011-03-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

A wonderful woman, Curly B., thats apart of my hair forum (and attends my church coincidentally), featured yours truly on her hair blog for Women's Month as an Everyday Beauty. I'm so humbled and honored. Check out my feature and the rest of her blog. I love it.

Celebrating the Beauty of Everyday Black Women

3 Day Braidout Tutorial

2011-02-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

Crazy Morning Hair

2011-02-26T09:51:00.000-05:00

Just Detangled - 14 weeks post

I hated the movie The Ring. LMAO

Come and Talk To Me IN PERSON

2011-02-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

My co-worker came to me and told me a little conversation that went on about me. He said some people were asking about my hair and how I get it to do the things it does. One day in a bun and the next day straight and the next day curly and the next day wavy.

I laughed so hard because I figured it was my favorite Asian Persuasion friend in my office (Shout out to my X-form developers hehehe) because he ALWAYS comments on my change in hair and style. But it wasn't him. Then I realized something...

People really don't come and ask me about my hair in person. I get tons of questions over email or private message (hence the blog) but not in person.

One of my motivating factors for growing my hair long is to show black women that it can be done. Until I learned how to take care of it, my hair was never past shoulder length. But they see it and they don't ask. Sigh....

They assume its fake or I must be "mixed" and keep it moving. But I did it for YOU ladies!!! So if you see me on the street, in church, at work, or anywhere at all, PLEASE come and talk to me.

I welcome your questions with an open mind and an open heart.

Benefit of Being A Woman

2011-02-23T12:51:00.001-05:00

You get out of all kinds of tickets and moving violations you know you probably deserve...

LMAO...happy girl...Thank you Jesus for smiles.

Sigh but it is my duty to obey the law of the land.

Today's Hair (Having Fun with Stretching)

2011-02-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

Half-up Half-down Braidout

My Skin Evolution - Thank God for Cultura (Review)

2011-02-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

Over the years my skin has gone through hell and back. My skin reacts violently to stress so I try to keep it down and live life easy breezy. But thanks to the advice of a facialist from South Africa and Dr. Eliot Battle, Founder of Cultura, my skin is clearer and smooth.

If you are in DC and have any skin issues, Dr. Battle's services are highly recommended. This is not just from me. I have 3 cousins that have gone to him and all of our skin has improved considerably. What he sells out of his office is his products.

My skin at its worse was inflamed and oily. When I stress I break out and then I'd break out more because the acne was stressing me out...LOL...yes a vicious cycle.

Then I learned to manage the break outs but the scarring was bad and didn't go away for months.

After my facial on cruise - Summer 2010

Before my visit to Cultura

Today, I am so happy my skin is alot better. With my skin regimen, I may get a bump here or there but it goes away quickly and doesnt leave the same marks it used it. Its a miracle.

My skin today

Skin Regimen

Morning

Wash with Purpose Face Wash
Tone with Thayers Rose Water/Aloe Alcohol Free Toner
Moisturize with Neutrogena visibly even Daily Moisturizer spf 30 (SPF is soo important with what I use)
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum (optional)
Cultura Pigment Repair (You can only get this at the dermatologist office.)

Evening

Wash with Purpose Face Wash
Tone with Thayers Rose Water/Aloe Alcohol Free Toner
Moisturize with Neutrogena visibly even Daily Moisturizer spf 30 (SPF is soo important with what I use)
Cultura Prescription Vit A .025 every other night (You can only get this at the dermatologist office. The office is called Cultura)
Cultura Pigment Repair 5%(You can only get this at the dermatologist office.)

Olay Regenerist UV defense regenerating lotion SPF 50 (for summer time)

SPF is sooo important with Vit A (Retin-A) and Hydroquinone.

Trip Down Memory Lane...Part One

2011-02-19T16:45:00.000-05:00

I was going through some of my old pictures and I found some of my favorite hair styles.

Dec. 08 - Half Up, Half Down

Apr. 09 - One of the softest, bounciest rollerset I ever did

May 09 - Curly Rollerset, cute and feminine

May 09 - Perfect Date Hair

May 09 - Braided Updo

May 09 - Another successful rollerset...they came out great between BSL & MBL

June 09 - In Mexico for wedding...my hair was so light this day

Apr. 2010 - Bantu Knot out for Easter Sunday

Aug 2010 - Queen Sheba LOL - Twist Updo Bun

Oct. 2010 - My Aaliyah Hair

Nov. 2010 - Birthday Braidout

Nov. 2010 - At Formal Ball - This was the first time I used a curling iron in over 3 years. It came out beautiful.

Today's Hair

2011-02-15T13:10:00.001-05:00

I straightened my hair to manage the new growth. I haven't roller set my hair in almost a year because the length and the new growth never lays flat but I'm gonna try to roller set my hair regularly now to make a stretching more manageable.

Straightened Hair

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Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:02:00.001-05:00

I am often not a supporter of Vday because I prefer that year round love. But the Lord knows just how to melt my heart. Imma sap!!!

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Product Review/Haul & Long Term Stretching

2011-02-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

Long-Term Stretch :D

2011-02-07T19:08:00.000-05:00

Sheepishly typing in....

I think I wanna do a stretch instead of relaxing. I figure I can do it now while it is winter. Anyway, I am going to try really hard this time. I tried it before and failed miserably because the different textures and the tangles was not fun to deal with. Yes, my whackism led me to fail. Le Sigh!!! LOL!

I am 10.5 weeks post now and I usually relax on at 12 weeks (approximately 3 months).

I am planning to load up on conditioners and oils this week. I miss some of the things I used to use. When I get them, I'll do a video on the products I'll be using to stretch.

I want to stretch till July 15th. This is going to be a big day for me because I will also be starting a very special journey that day. It will be a renewal that day for me so July 15th will be all things new.

So on that note, lets the big bushy hair begin.

I am bout to load up on some goodies....OH Boy Can't Wait!!!! I'm thinking maybe the list below:

Roux Porosity Control Corrector Conditioner

Aphogee 2 minute Reconstructor

Coconut Oil

S-curl No Drip Activator and Moisturizer

Rusk Sensories Smoother Leave-in Conditioner

Aussie Moist Conditioner

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration

Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner

Elasta QP Mango Butter & Olive Oil

All the oldies I used to love and my hair misses.

10.5 - 11 week post new growth

I wanna dye my hair black too again. I achieved this with Henna and Indigo. I am against synthetic dyes because my hair DOES NOT like it at all. My hair look so nice and shiny when it was jet black. Check out my hair for the summer of 08.

My Past/Current Hair Regimen

2011-02-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

UPDATED REGIMEN BELOW!!!! Thank you GraceV for bringing that to my attention

I realize on my journey from SL to WSL I have gone through a lot of different regimens. ALOT! My regimen changed based on length of hair, thickness of hair, moisture vs. protein levels, and products I was currently using.

Some treatments I used over the years include:

- Weekly deep conditioning with heat – I no longer do this with heat because I am too lazy, Sorry. LOL!

- Henna and Indigo to color my hair black – I stop this about a year ago because my hair got too long and think, it messy and indigo is also expensive. It also gave me a headache, yikes.

- Ayurvedic shampoo bars and oils – I’ve used alma, shikakai, different powders, etc. to achieve a faster growth rate and soft hair. I think it helped my hair look healthier and it was soft but I am no sure my hair grew any faster to be honest.

- Porosity Control – It was a good conditioner to be honest. I like any conditioner that melts throw tangles. But I am not sure it helped with porosity but I did use it before I did my relaxers.

- Hair Growth Aids – There was this product I used once. I can not remember the name. It smelled really good. I think it worked but short term. I used it for a couple months then stopped. I think that I figured my hair grow fine and I don’t need aids to grow my hair. That was somewhere already APL when I was eager to longer hair. My opinion about growth aids: unless you have a hair condition that requires help, you don’t need them. Your hair will get there, you just have to be patient.

So now I…

Daily:

- Moisturize my hair with Scurl Instant Activator (or any glycerin based product I have around the house) or Rusk Sensories Smoother Leave-in. Both are staples of mine that make my hair soft and easier to detangle.

- I will oil my hair with every now and again. I really used to like Coconut oil, castor oil, and any smell-good oil like African Pride. Those are good oils to use.

- I used serum a lot after I moisturizer. I use L’oreal TextureLine HairMix SublimeShine. I love this stuff.

Daily Hair Style:

- I wear A LOT of buns and braidouts. Buns when my hair isn’t detangled (between week) or when I am getting closer to a relaxer (cause my new growth gets really thick). Braidouts when my hair is thoroughly detangled or when I just blowdried my hair.

Note: If you want long hair in a decent amount of time get used to wear protective and no-heat styles. I rocked buns and braidouts for at least 90% of my hair journey. I rarely use heat. I have also done weaves which are an excellent protective WHEN INSTALLED currently. I have done my own weaves when my hair was shorten. As it got longer, I had it professionally done. Now I don’t think my hair will lay flat enough around a weave but I may try to get one in the future.

Weekly:

- I shampoo and condition once a week. I detangle with a detangling comb (it has double the teeth and works magic).

- If my hair feels dry, I will co-wash (conditioner wash) my hair mid-week or sometimes just run water through my hair. My hair LOVES water.

- I airdry 95% of the time. I'll usually air dry hanging loose for a little while, then moisturize, braid in one or two plaits or bun. I always tie down with a scarf.

Maintenance:

- I relax once every 3 months with a Lye relaxer. I use the HALF/HALF method.

- I do a dusting (less than inch clipping at the ends) after every relaxing and when I use heat. This helps to keep the hair you grow. Avoid being eager for trims too frequently. I am a rebel and I have maybe had two good trims in the last 3 years. When my hair reaches hip-length, I’ll do a big chop back to WSL for a good even cut.

- I do not deep condition with heat. I do deep condition overnight with a plastic cap though and I do this twice a month or so.

I will post a video soon of how I detangle and my braidout regimen. I will also post when I do my next relaxer at month end.

My Hair Journey

2011-01-31T19:45:00.001-05:00

So I know some of you used to look at my Fotki album to browse my hair journey over the years but decided to take down majority of those albums. Why? My pics have been stolen so I watermark my photos now.

A little about my journey...

For majority of my life, my hair was shoulder length or shorter. I have been relaxed since I was 7 and now that I see how thick my hair can get, I don't think I will ever go natural. I am 4a mostly. I have been self-styled for 3.5 years. I have done a TON of different things to my hair over the years but I have learned that less is more.

I learned EVERYTHING I know about hair from www.Longhaircareforum.com. I have a ton of hair idols that helped me learn what to do to get my hair to be long and strong. Some of these Waist-length divas are:

Sylver2
Traycee
SweetCashew
SuperGirl
PacificPurinsesu
2Cute!
Mochamadness
Loveya4eva

There are more but I can't think of it right now.

I will be doing a video on how I relax (the half/half method) and my daily routine this month.

Now for pictures...

2010 Ponytail for my 3 year Hairanniversary

October 28, 2010

I have also done a few weaves during the past 3 years. The pictures below are the weaves I got done professionally by the favorite weavelogist, Arlene Thomas of Arlene's Creations in Philadelphia, PA. She's the bomb and my weaves lasted about 2 months. It could have lasted longer but my scalp gets crazy itchy.

Look What Just Came in the Mail

2011-01-31T12:26:00.000-05:00

I got my degree today. I now have a Masters of Science - Information Technology (concentration Human Computer Interaction). Yes, I am a geek!

Whoop! Whoop! Its over! It was a long 2.5 years but its complete. I am sure I can negotiate some salary incentives with this. LOL!

Ph.D. in (T.B.D.) here I come.

Boring Meeting

2011-01-28T14:37:00.001-05:00

Testing my video capability for this app. Im sooo bored in this meeting. Lol. Let me pay attention.

YouTube Video

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Hair Trim & Update

2011-01-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

I randomly did a video in the beginning of the year while packing from my mini vacation to Mexico.

BTW. I LOVE MEXICO, its so beautiful. I plan to go to all their major coastal cities at least once. Its close, warm, beach, and ALL-INCLUSIVE resorts. I went to Cozumel. So awesome.

Anyway, I've been having more fun with my Mac and trying out some of the programs and features so I cut it up and here it goes....Enjoy!

Adding Chi Stash Pic

Testing Mobile Blogging App

2011-01-25T23:11:00.001-05:00

I am just testing my new blogging app. So far, I like. Its easy to post & upload pics on the go. It didn't crash on me yet which is awesome. I switched to blogging instead of my custom website because blogging is easier to maintain and update from my phone. Gotta love smartphones.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blowdry and Braidout

2011-01-25T20:33:00.000-05:00

This is my hair style today. I had to blowdry my hair because it was soooo hard, tangled, and unmanageable. I did a 2 braid braidout and it came out great. It drops throughout the day so the braidout (most on sides and back) goes from BSL (brastrap length) to MBL (mid-back length). Braidouts are my favorite.

My First Post - 2011 Hair

2011-01-25T19:44:00.000-05:00

My work colleague has been NAGging (yes, you know who you are) me about posting up my updated hairs for almost a year now. LOL. I am so bad with this. Once, I reached my hair goal I fell off terribly.

I have been super busy with my career and finishing grad school. Now that I am done with school (for now), I am going to give myself some time to do things I like and want to do. I am in the process of moving my old website over to become a blog. This will be alot easier to maintain/update from my laptop and phone.

I will not be straightening my hair for about a month of so (after my next relaxer). I haven't done a length check in about 5 months but I have also done about 3 inches of cutting since then. I maintained (waist length) WSL for 2010 because I wanted my ends to thicken up.

Anyway...

I did a trim before my trip to Mexico this year. I also wanted to try out my new Chi heat protecting products. It came out nice. I did a video and I plan to post it soon.

trimmed 1.5 - 2 inches - jan. 9

2010 Hair Review

out of the shower - post relaxer - air-dried - no product - sept. 27

blow-dried - pre-trim - sept. 27

trimmed about 1.5 inches - sept. 28

straightened hair on oct.29