Caring For My Crochet Braids.

Love this stuff! 

So I've had my current crochet braids in for about 2 weeks and my daily regimen has consisted mainly of refreshing the extensions with this refresher braid spray from Dark and Lovely, moisturizing my own hair with the Tropic Isle Leave in and oiling my scalp every other day with my oil mix (Extra dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E oil, Burdock Oil and a few drops of Rosemary, Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils).

 I decided that this time around though  that unlike the last crochet braids I had in, I'd add a  proper wash to my regimen and see how it would go. Seeing as this hair has a curly pattern, I (rightly) assumed that it would take well to water.

Stretched out hair at its best!

See how stretched out and smooth the back is? Just from brushing up with eco styler and a bit of water and tying in a puff.

Remember in my post about my first wash day in 2015 I was talking about how my hair doesn't particularly take to excessive heat styling? Well, I remembered I had a few pics of my perimeter when my hair is stretched out after wearing a bun and thought to share.

First Protective Style of 2015 - Crochet Braids Using Freetress Bulk Braiding Hair.

I am sooooooooooo feeling this style!! Sometime towards the tail end of last year a couple of customers came to get crochet braids in using Freetress braiding hair and I really liked the hair. I went online and saw that the Freetress brand comes in so many different texture variations and was definitely willing to explore.

First Wash Day Of 2015!

So!!! I was telling you all how I'd had my first wash day and in line with one of my goals to use more natural products this year, this is how the day went down :)

I'd taken off my crochet braids, pre poo'd with my Amla/Brahmi Oil, left it overnight and in the morning I shampooed - first with my clarifying shampoo in order to give my hair a fresh start. (because about a week before I got my crochet braids, I'd flat ironed my hair and so had used products with silicones to protect my strands from the thermal applicances).

I followed up with a moisturizing shampoo, then warmed up some Coconut, Olive, Avocado, Castor and Vitamin E oil, applied it to my hair and then just sat around for about 20 mins. I brought out my steamer and spent an additional 10 minutes under it.

Prior to going under the steamer I had brewed some Black Tea and some Nettle leaves for a tea rinse. I noticed my hair had shed a lot when I took out my crochet braids (more than normal I thought even though I'd had a protective style for about a month) and wanted to address that.

Hair Plans And Goals For 2015

I've been having such a relaxing week and I can't believe my one week holiday is almost over!!!! Boooo hoooooooooo! Lol!

Anyway, thought I'd pen down all I'd been thinking and planning regarding my hair. So, towards the tail end of last year, I took stock of everything I'd been doing and using on my hair and realised that in my bid to try a few things I wasn't consistent with a lot of stuff (NJoy, Hair Trigger, MTG) and I was focusing too much energy on gaining length! I mean it's nice to want to have long hair but not to the exclusion of everything (well not everything but a good number).

Another thing I discovered is that my hair doesn't particularly like direct heat - not sure if that's the right way to put it but I tried to flat iron late last year to do a length check and the final look brought back so many memories of the limp look I would have back in the day when I got a relaxer touch up lolll.

The Salon Will Be Closed Till The 13th Of January!

After an intensely busy holiday season, we're taking a week off to relax, rejuvenate and re - strategise for the new year!! We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our loyal and faithful customers - but we really needed to rest :)

See you all next week!

Thank you
xoxo

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I swear it feels like just a couple of months ago when I was saying happy new year to usher in 2014! The way last year flew by was no joke!!! Anyway, thank God for another year - so many highs and lows were experienced last year - but of course, that is all part of life.

I've learnt to view everything from a different perspective particularly when experiencing 'downs' to help give me a more balanced view, instead of complaining and feeling down and out.

So here's to an amazing 2015 for every single one of us! May we experience greater heights and dimensions in all facets of our lives and when we go through trials, may our testimonies be even greater!

God bless!

xoxoxoxo