It has been awhile since I've updated my blog. All or most of you are aware that I've been fighting the autoimmune disease Lupus. I'm starting to "get my life" back as I once knew it and get back into some of the things i love- one of them BLOGGING!
During the last 8 months, my lupus flare up has had an impact on my hair. I've experienced extreme shedding, and my texture has changed in some areas ( especially in the middle of my head). I have lots of single strand knots (ouch!) and my lovely curls have begun to take on a wave pattern (more than a curly pattern). I've never really cared too much about the length of my hair until I started to see it fall down the sink at every washing. Running my fingers through my hair has become a thing of the past ( as handfuls of hair shed daily). I've since decided to challenge my self to reduce (stop) the shedding, and grow my hair to " waist length".
Have you ever seen waist length hair-ITS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Some of my favorite You Tubers are waist length ( Kimmy Tube, Urban Bush Babes, Long Hair Don't Care, to name a few). BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
**Below is a chart to show the different hair lengths**
Picture of hair after it was washed, deep conditioned and flat ironed using Crisco ( in the blue can). My goal wasn't to have super straight hair- just straight enough to do a length check. I'm #teamNoHeat- so the mere thought of applying heat to my hair frightens me.
Picture after a trim
I then put in 6-8 flexi rods ( mix of orange and red rods) to achieve a curly look.
Picture after removal of the flexi rods & (finger) styled
I'm introducing a new (simpler) routine to maintain length and (hopefully)continue hair growth
Co-washing- This means only using a conditioner to wash my hair eliminating the shampoo. I've always done this, and it has worked GREAT for me. My co wash regimen is often done on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Deep Conditioning/Pre Poo- For me this provides an extra boost in moisture, I do not buy fancy deep conditioning products because you guys know I'm the kitchen beautician!!!! My pre poo consist of honey and olive oil warmed, part hair in 4 sections, apply (heavily) to each section of hair 'BEFORE" you shampoo. My deep conditioner (recipe) is 2 jars of stage two banana baby food, 1-2 tablespoons of (raw) honey, 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or grape seed oil. Part hair into 4 sections, apply to each section ( concentrating on the ends) cover with a conditioning cap minimum of 30 minutes ( I usually go an hour).
Sealing-I had stopped sealing my ends for a while ( just was too lazy) or exhausted. I normally use an even mix of castor oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil ( melted and mixed together in a bottle and apply to my ends nightly). ** I also tuck my ends under a satin scrunchie at night. **
Leave In Conditioner- I apply leave in conditioner EVERYDAY ( with a light hand) to my hair. I mix my own ( distilled water or rose water, aloe vera juice, coconut milk, grape seed oil, and essential oils). I mist my hair "before" i re apply my twist or when I take my hair down in the morning- I will mist it lightly.
Diet-I'm now on a gluten free diet, and transitioning to vegetarian lifestyle. Diet is very important to those that suffer with lupus and I know for overall health and hair growth it start from the inside. ** I'm currently doing the New Moon Detox (fast) for 3 days and upping my water intake to 107 ounces a day ( half my body weight)**
Have you established any hair goals for 2012? If so please share...
Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2012 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx
