Last Night

So last night my sister-in-laws house alarm went off at 4:30am. Yeah! Talk about cutting into my beauty rest. I thought for sure I was gonna have to shimmy down the window straight to my car and drive off into the night un-noticed while dialing 911 hoping they would get to Heather and the kids in time. But then I thought what about the kids! I can't leave them behind. So I laid silently in my bed trying to figure out where the robber was, the closest weapons of opportunity to defend myself, and the best exit routes.

How was I gonna wake up Gabbie my niece who sleeps harder than a 350lbs man. So I thought I am gonna have to roll her up in her blanket and toss her across my shoulder and take her out caveman style, forget about waking her up. So ok I got her in order now I was gonna have to get the little nephew (aka Taquito Nugget). With the Taquito Nugget I'm gonna have to wake him up and have him walk because although he is 2 years old he much heavier like a round watermelon. So I got it all planned out; get the 2 little ones and run out the garage and hop in the car and take off into the icy cold night without the robber seeing me and these two kids. But what about my sister-in-law Heather? Hummm I'm sure gonna miss her. I'll let her babies know that she was a really good person and she worked hard.

Then I thought wait a minute there is nothing in here to steal and what is wrong with me I need to get back to sleep its 4:30am in the morning I have to go to work. So I rolled right on over and went right back to sleep.

Come to find out the window in my sister-in-laws bedroom set off the alarm. I would have sure looked crazy trying to get her kids out the house half sleep rolled up in blankets in stuff....

Well you live and you learn :-)

Krystality :o)

I'm Back

Hey Everybody!

I'm back. I got kinda busy with life in general.

Yes I am still growing out my relaxer. December will make 8 months since my last relaxer. I am so excited that I have been able to stay on track. I must admit that I have been using a lot of heat in my hair lately to try and keep it straight. I can say now that I am threw with the pressing comb! (for now LOL) my mind changes like the seasons :-)

So I am gonna start experimenting with more no/low heat styles. I am gonna try do a new style every week and try to maintain it until the next wash day. My normal wash and style day is Saturday Nights. Yeah I know your thinking "Saturday Night should be date night" well it works for me :) I'm thinking that I will try some cute updo and different variations of the twist/braid-outs.

Anyways, Since my hair isn't long enough for a decent pony tail or bun I got to experiment and find at least 3 go to styles. Meaning Styles that I can whip up in a minimum amount of time with not too much fuss. I wanna enjoy and embrass being natural and not a hassel.

Later,
Krystality :)

Reflection- 6 Months

So I am 6 month post relaxer. I have about 2 inches of new growth. I do not have an breakage or shedding except for when I took out my braids I was rushing and lost alot of hair. I experienced alot of shedding and a little breakage because I was ripping threw my hair like I didn't have an good sence to just "slow down"..."I was running late for Jamie Foxx Concert" Although I lost alot of hair I didn't beat myself up I decided to look at the positive. My hair has grown to just below my ears and my ends are not bad at all and it was fairly easy to straighten and maintain for a week. I figure eventually I will cut the relaxed ends off anyways so I'm not gonna worry about it.

I will take some pics of my new growth this weekend after I wash and condition so stay tooned.

Later,
Krystality :o)

Conditioner

I found a new deep conditioner that has been around for a while but I am using it for the first time which is Queen Helen's Cholesterol. A friend of mines has been trying to get me to use it for quite some time now. So this weekend I seen it at the beauty supply store for $3.29. I thought to myself that if it doesn't work I didn't pay a fortune for it then I wont feel bad about tossing it.

I use it as a deep conditioner with a plastic cap under the dryer for about 30 minutes. I must say that I am very impressed and being that I am 6 months post relaxer my hair was so easy to de-tangle, no breakage, and no tug of war between my relaxed and natural hair. My hair felt strong and moisturized all at the same time. This might be a keeper. I will use this as my weekly deep conditioner and I will give an update in about 3 weeks to make sure that this was not a fluke.

Later,

Krystality ;o)

Stylz- Individual

I know I have been talking so much about my individual braids and how much I luv them but I forgot to post the pictures. So here they are finally. Enjoy!

-Krystal :o)

Transition - Month 5

Sorry I've been away but finally things have stabilized. The good thing is that my hair is doing great and I am still in my individual braids which are holding up very nicely. Last weekend I shampooed my scalp and redone the edges and lightly oiled my scalp with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and spraid the length of my braid with a moisturizing braid spray.

I have been preoccupied with my work out regimen these days since winter is coming up. I luv wearing big bulky sweaters and trench coats so having a slim figure under neat will work out perfect. My winter wardrobe for this year will consist of skinny jean, ankle boots, and trench coats. I am trying to get the Rhianna look down :o).

Later,
Krystality :o)

Free Styly Friday

I got one widsom tooth taken out today so I'm not feeling all that great. But, I am happy that I am braided up and I don't have to worry about styling my hair. The battery in my camera died so I was not able to take pictures of my individual braids so once the battery charges I will be posting so pics. I must say that they are holding up very nicely. Currently they are about bra-strap length but I think I may cut them into a cute bob come October to spice things up a bit.

Free Style Friday

Well I've been MIA for a while but I am back with some updates. So hubby and I are not moving to Houstons. Turns out this company wasn't serious about paying him what he is worth. Yupe all about the money here. So we are still in Dallas and I'm loving it.

My hair is great! My transition is going very well. I actually installed some individual braids about a week ago and I will be posting some pictures later on tonight. I am planning on keeping these braids til the end of October or should I say I'm gonna "try" to to keep them til the end of October. You all know my hair changes with the weather.

I was talking to hubby last night and I realize I have the most different, strange, weird encounters with people its amazing. Sometimes I think back and think "I should have taken offense to that", or "I should have said something", or "I should have just walked away". I think I am just soooo nice and I give people the benefit of the doubt. Let me give you an example.

A couple days ago I was in Walmart looking threw the CD's after I had just made a deposit in one of my bank accounts "yes I still buy CD". So I am looking and I decide to get Sean Paul's new album because have been aching to hear some reggae and move my body to the smooth reggae beats and then I notice KJon which I luv the single he has out right now called ummmm "Sail Away?" or something like that. So anyways I went to the cash register to check out and there stood the cashier who was a tall, skinny, caucasian, young man maybe about a couple years out of High school. I noticed that he was acting a little nervous but I didn't think too much of it so I waited there for him to ring up my 2 CD.

The Cashier kinda slowed down and looked at me and said " I know your married because I see your ring there and don't take this the wrong way but I like your outfit and it very unique". So I thought what's so unique about a wrap dress? But I appreciated the gesture and thought it was very nice. So I said "Owww thank you that was really nice" actually it made me smile and I was gonna have a little bit more pep in my step until he made this next confession..."I just quit smoking yesterday so I'm a little on edge right now" Yes, just like that out of no where. So I did what any normal person would do I commended him on quitting and assured him that he had made the right decision. But then I thought to myself " Why am I talking to this guy about him quitting smoking? I am not his counselor or 12 step partner...oh wait 12steps I think that alcohol (LOL) Well anyways back to the story... And just when I was handing him my 24.00 dollars and completing the transaction yet another confession "I quit smoking cigarettes but I may smoke a lil of something else now and then though". So this time I smiled politely and reached for my bag to leave not even worried about my change or receipt...

Next time I'll tell you about the women I meet in Walgreens that followed me threw out the store to the cash register and then to my car trying to convince me that going to Houston with her to finds a Man was a good idea...

-Krystal :o)

Weekend Getaway

Allen (hubby) and I went to Houston this weekend for a potential job opportunity for him. So we might be relocating! I am excited about the thought of moving and starting all over again making new friends getting to explore and find the hot spots for clubbing, eating, and shopping. I will miss my friends, job, and my house. But I will only be about 5 hours away so my friends can come visit and we can visit them too.

To me Houston is just like Dallas but with more trees. The shopping is great and they have a whole lot of eating place in the area which is great for us b/c hubby and since we like to try out new things. Also another great thing is that we are closer to Galveston,TX which is where you can board the cruise ships. So all in all Houston look like a great place to live. I'll keep you updated!

-Krystal :o)

Hair Update

Not much going on with my hair right now except that I took my kinky twist out.

Last week I wore braid-outs all week and this week I am wearing a roller set. This is an older pic of my roller set but they come out the same way everytime. This weekend I will be doing a rod set. I have never taken pictures of it in the past and it comes out so nicely, but this time I will be sure to take some pics. Then the following weekend I will be doing some individual braids to give my hair a break from all the manipulation.

The Products that I am currently using are:

Hair One

Suave Naturals (Coconut Conditioner)

Chi Silk Infusion

Castro Oil

Aphogee Pro-Vitamin (Leave-In Conditioner)

Oils - Jojoba

Jojoba Oil can be used as a moisturiser for skin and hair, and used as a base for other essential oils and massage oils.

Benefits Of Jojoba

1. Jojoba promotes new cell growth. The application of Jojoba oil will counteract dry hair and scalp allowing the growth of new hair cells.

2. Jojoba is non greasy, orderless, and Colorless

3. Jojoba is anti-bacterial that can be used for treating sores, cuts, bruises and burns and helps heal scars.

4. Jojoba Oil breaks down sebum in plugged-up pores which promotes healthy scalp and hair.

Transition Stylz- Kinky Twists

Well as you all know I had done some Kinky Twists which will be one of my transition stylz. Kinky twists are so easy to install and not as expensive as other braids. I normally use about 2 - 2 1/2 packs of hair to achieve this style. The hair runs between $5-$10 per pack which makes it very inexpensive. Since I do my own braids and twist I keep them for about 4 weeks.

My schedule will be braids or twists extensions for 4 weeks and then I will leave my hair out for 2 weeks and then start all over with the 4 weeks of braids or twists. This way I can give my hair a break from styling and too much manipulation which can lead to breakage.

-Krystality :o)

Hair and Health

Generally speaking your hair will reflects your overall health. So its important that you maintain a proper diet and a regular excises program to maximize hair growth and to maintain health hair. Remember only a healthy body can produce healthy hair. A well Balanced Diet combined with Moderate exercise of 20 minutes a day is all you will need.


Hair has and needs certain moisture in the scalp for it to grow healthy so don't forget to drink plenty of water. Water is such an important part of our life that we may take it for granted at times. If you drink 8-10 glasses of water per day you will not only experience healthy hair you will also find improved skin complexion.


-Krystality :o)

Oils- Olive Oil

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

EVOO is one of those oil that most healthy nuts like myself have sitting in their pantry ready to cook a healthy meal with. But did you know that Olive Oil is also a well known remedy against dandruff and other hair problems? It has a revitalizing effect upon the scalp and improves the intactness of the hair. I mostly use my EVOO as a hot oil treatment or as an overnight pre-shampoo treatment. I have noticed that EVOO leaves my hair shiny, silky, and lustrous.

Simple Hot Oil Treatments:

Warm several tablespoons of Olive Oil. Rub into scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap or small plastic bag. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Then proceed to wash.

(You can sit under dryer or you can leave in overnight)

Oils - Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)

Coconut oil is one of my favorite scalp oils. I really like how it keeps my scalp moisturized without the feeling of heavy buildup. Normally once a week after shampoo and deep conditioning I lightly oil my entire scalp with coconut oil. Also I mix coconut oil with other oils to create my own hot oil treatment for my hair which leaves my hair very soft.

Here are some more benefits:

Anti-Dandruff
Coconut oil moisturizes the scalp, helping it to stay hydrated and smooth. Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the scalp and has a long durability for protecting the moisture that is already inside.


Lauric Acid
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which acts as a triglyceride, which protects the scalp and the roots from becoming weak. Thinning hair or total hair loss often starts at the roots and scalp, falling out because the scalp loses its ability to hold on tight to the roots. The lauric acid keeps the scalp strong and tough.

Hair Update

My Kinky Twist are holding up great! Normally after about 3 weeks I get the itch to take them out...but not this time I am gonna keep them as long as possible. I have not used shampoo in about 3 weeks since there is little to no build up on my scalp so why use shampoo. I have noticed a huge difference since I stopped using scalp grease with the petroleum and mineral oil I have little to no build up. Instead of shampoo I have been co-washing every other day.

3 weeks down and I will be re-doing my edges this weekend.

Products:
Suave Natuals Cond. (Co-Wash)
Aphogee Green Tea Reconstrutor Spray
Braid Spray

Lets Get Physical!

This past weekend I went to the gym with a couple girlfriend of mines and had a great time talking, joking, and or course sweating. It's very nice to find African-American women with your same interest which mines happen to be anything physical. I love all things physical and for me a day at the gym or the park is time well spent. Which brings me to the topic of African American women and their hair. For me before I work out I have to plan around my hair and this is true for many other African-American women I know. They may not work out b/c they just got their hair done (yes I am guilty of this as well). I come to the realization that straight hair is just not practical for my everyday life which is one of my reasons for going natural b/c I wear no heat styles about 90% of the time anyways so whats the point of torturing my scalp ever 12-16 weeks with a relaxer? There is no reason. Every day I am find more reason that makes this natural journey that much easier and me a happier camper.





-Krystality :-)

Stylz - Kinky Twist

I cheated! I got kinky twist. I luv them they are so convenient and easy to install (I do my own braids) I figured since I am transitioning this would be the easiest way to minimize manipulation and breakage. My goal is to keep them in until Sept 1st and then start taking them down little by little and then out completely by Sept 15th then leave hair out for about 2-3 weeks and then braid it back up.

Getting Started

1. Start with a nice, fresh trim. Broken ends which are severely damaged and thin cannot be repaired so get rid of them.

2. Take pictures of your hiar and start hair care journal. Take pictures of your hair every 1-3 month to see your progress.

3. Clip those ends as needed to prevent Split ends.

4. If you choose to shampoo do so 1-2 per week with a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo and focus on the scalp and work your way to the to the ends.

5. Deep condition with high quality protein and / or moisturizing conditioner weekly. This can be done with a plastic cap under a hooded Dryer for 30min - 1 hr or without heat.

6. Use a high quality leave-in conditioner which will moisturize, detangle and protect the hair heat styling. Leave-in conditioners will also prevent breakage and protect the hair from weather damage.

8. Keep moisture in the hair. Dry hair breaks which is why it is so important to keep the hair moisturized. When moisturizing the hair, focus on the hair ends and after moisturinzing you can apply a light hair oil to seal in the moisture.

11. Limit the use of direct heat.

12. Wear protective styles. Protective styles are styles that protect the hair ends. Some of my favorite protective styles are twists, braids, buns, up-dos, cornrolls, which requires no heat and little manipulation.

13. Know the difference between breakage and shedding. Typically, hair sheds 50-100 strands daily. Shedding will be longer strands with a white bulb (hair follicle) on the end of hair strand. Breakage will be smaller pieces which signals its time for a trim.

14. Protect your hair at night by wearing a silk/satin scarf or bonnet or use a silk/satin pillow case.

15. Use a wide tooth comb to comb/detangle your hair. You'll experience less breakage

Stylz - Braid Out

I co-washed yesterday for the 2nd time this week after a very intense Kick Boxing class at the gym where sweat was everywhere (ehewww...) I co-washed with VO5 Kiwi cleansing conditioner then I followed that up with my Lekair Cholesterol and let that sit for the remainder of my shower. Then I detangled and applied my HE Long Term Relationship Leave-In and sealed with my Kera Care Essential Oil. I let my hair airdry then I proceed to do 10 cornrows spritz my hair to rewet and added a lil Aloe Vera gel and then "hit the hay" lol. This is my best braid out yet. Well I am off to Wine Tasting.

-Krystal

Stylz - Flat TwistOut

Just craziness...
So I co-washed my hair yesterday and let my hair air dry for about and hour or so then I proceeded to do a beatifully neat flat twistout (My fav). Normally I should have a cute wave pattern in the morning that I wear for atleast 2 days. Didn't happen this time. I woke up this morning to slightly damp hair ...so no waves just a bush. Thats ok, I threw on a cute headband and went on my way. Gotta make it work.

Products that I used:
Co-Washed with Hair One
Leave in wash Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship
Sealed ends with Castro Oil

Next time I may sit under my hooded dry for about 15min before I go to bed to jump start the drying process.

-Krystality

Relaxed Progress

As promissed here is my flat iron results and my relaxed hair progress pics for 8 1/2 month. I am so proud of myself.

I had 1 trim in the beginning of my journey and then I dusted myself 1/4 inch 2 times, once in December 08 and then another in June 09. I have been keeping up with my weekly DC and I minimized my heat usage to 1-2 times per month during this time. I am looking forward to more growth maintaining little to no breakage/shedding during my transtion.

- Krystality :o)

Hair Appointment

So I have a hair appointment today in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. I am very excited because this will be the last time I straighten my hair for Loooooong time.
Since I have decide to go natural I am going to limit my heat usage. My goal is no heat for atleast 3 months but I am shooting for 6 months. I know I can do it! Honestly the majority of the time I wear curly styles anyways which is why I decided to go natural because I luv curls and I workout like a mad women and this is the only style that stays up for atleast 3 days before I have to redo. I will be posting pics of my flatironed hair and also my new transition reggi.


Krystality

I'm Transitioning!

So I have decided to transition...again. LOL. I have stocked several natural blogs, fotki's, hairboards, you name it ive stocked it. I am now armed with an abundance of info.

I transitioned 3 times in the past and the last time getting to about 18months and 100% natural and guess what I went and got a relaxer. This time I am armed with alot more knowledge about products and most importantly "my" hair. I am confident that I will make it this time. My goal is to transition for a minimum of 18 months before cutting all relaxer ends off. I will cut little by little just to keep breakage at a minimum. So fare I have been wearing rollerset, rodset, and braid/twist outs. Hopefully by the end of the year I can start wearing donut buns :-)

I am also thinking about getting micros. I accidently transitioned with micros in highschool and some college but did not know what to do with my hair after I took my braids out. Now that I think about it I could have been natural for about 3-5 years only if I had not that creamy crack back in my hair!

Well this time I am going to be patient and I want to be 100% natural in 2 years

My Goal:
1. No BC (Big chop) before 18 months of new growth
2. No Direct Heat by 6 months and on.
3. No Chemicals
4. No Breakage
5. Trim 1 inch every 3-4 months only

Last Relaxer: April 8, 2009
Currently: 3 Months Post (12 weeks)

Wash Day

So I started a new regi. I wanted to simplify the products that I use and stop buying so many new things. So I repurchased Hair One which is Sally's Generice Version of Wen. Hair One can be used for everything but I added the cholesterol for a light protein. So this is what I done.

-Clarified my hair with Baking Soda and Water to give my hair a fresh start so that my rpoducts can absorb better.
-Washed my hair with Hair One while in the shower and let it sit for teh duration of my shower.
-Deep Condictioned (DC) with LeKair Cholesterol Plus for 20min w/o heat as a light protein treatment.
-Used Hair One as my leave in and Air Dried
-Once Airdried I Greased Scalp EVCO (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
-Moisturized w/ Silkening Childs and made 2 plaits for a braid out in the morning.

Well in the morning I lightly spritz with water and took down the braids and rocked a beautiful braidout. So happy!!!

-Krystality :-)

Flexi Rod

So I luv Curls but have never tried a Flexi Rod Set. So I went to my local BSS and found some. They were in packs of 6 for $5 not too bad. I bought a total of 5 packs which turned out to be enough for the front so I had to get creative thats when I thought about straws. I luved the results. The curls were perfect and they held for 4 days and now I will be washing out tonight. This will be my summer low Manipulation style! I will post picks next week once I do another set and details of the products that I used.

-Krystal :-)

Co-Wash

I did a co-wash yesterday after my workout with my favorite V05 Kiwi Cleansing Conditioner. This conditioner does not leave my hair sticky like the moisture milk line but it washes away clean and it smell heavenly also its on .99. Cant beat that. After the co-wash I spaid my Aphogee Green Tea Reconstructor along with my braid Spray. My hair has been really loving this combination. Oh forgot to say I am in Kinky twist right now. I will be taking them out this weekend to do a good Deep Conditioning.

-Krystality

Krystality Hair

Yes Finally I got this started.