HOW IS THE WEATHER AFFECTING YOUR HAIR?

I've always heard people complain that the winter weather was harsh on their strands. Well, maybe it's just me but it seems that the hotter it becomes outside, the drier my hair becomes.

When I got my curl back in March, of course the temperature was a lot lower during the day than it is right now. I wasn't having a problem with my hair drying out so quickly.

Now it seems like the heat/sun is drying my hair out & in no time, my hair is parched & thirsty.

So for all of my curl veterans out there, what do you think about the weather & how it affects your hair?

GROWTH CHECK

I'm sure most of you have heard/read that the average person's hair growth is about 1/2 inch per month. Usually I'm pretty average. When I was anal about measuring & using all sorts of topical growth aids, sometimes I would see 3/4 inch, up to 1 inch per month. However, topical growth aids are big commitments & I usually would slack after the 1st month.

I had posted previously that I felt down because I felt like my hair was growing slower than normal. Well, my wonderful stylist, Natalie, informed me that I probably couldn't see much difference between the textures of my new growth & my curl. And basically she was right. However, though I can't see the difference, I definitely can feel it.

So, I decided to pull out my tape measure & see if I was at least seeing average growth & HALLELUJAH, I am! My one month anniversary was on the 11th of this month. So basically I've had my curl for a month and a half. I have about 3/4 inch of new growth. That puts me on target for having one inch in two months.

I know these pics aren't the best but my photographer of choice tonight was my 13 year old. I didn't feel like trying to explain to hubby what I was doing with a tape measure to my scalp. LOL

I basically put the clip at the very edge of my newgrowth. I also took the flash off - so no my hair isn't quite that dusty looking. (:-)

Divas, what are your growth rates like? Is everyone prettymuch average? I'm thinking if we grow 6 inches of hair per year, exactly how much should we be retaining? I would like to at least retain 5 of the 6.

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

It seems that even with a curly perm, my hair tends to have a mind of it's own. So that leads to some good hair days as well as some bad hair days. Here are a few pics just to show how my hair differs from day-to-day.

Here's wishing each & every one of you a FABULOUS Monday!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

Hi ladies. I've been having some serious technical difficulties & am unable to post pics at this time. I have a post ready to go but I have not been able to get the pics uploaded. Hopefully I will have this problem resolved by tomorrow. Please be patient with me. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Take care...

Overnight Baggying

In an effort to make sure that I maintain the proper moisture level in my hair at all times, I baggy overnight for added moisture. I've been concerned about hair loss around my hairline due to the elastic in the plastic cap. So some nights I'll wrap my hair in saran wrap. However, the saran wrap seems so much hotter than the plastic cap.

Well someone on LHCF posted about a new invention called the Hydracap. Thing is, this isn't a new invention. It's simply a dome shaped shrink wrap bag.

I tried it out & overall it works much better than a plastic cap. There's no elastic to pull at your hairline. Because you use heat to mold it to your hair, it actually will stay put & not come off during the night. The only downside is the noise!

Because it is composed of really thick plastic, it has the loudest crunch ever. I didn't even make it overnight with it on. My hubby made me take it off due to the noise. So...if you're single this might work.

Here's a pic of what it looks like. Also I did a little research & you can definitely beat the Hydracap website's prices. When the hydracap website first launched the prices were like $10 for 50 caps or 20 cents per cap.

Of course I was able to beat that price big time! I found a website where you can get 500 caps for $34 or 7 cents per cap.

Let me know if any of you ladies decide to try this out.

I (may) STAND CORRECTED

I don't watch a whole lot of television. And the shows that I do like, I usually set my DVR to record them. So the season finale of "For the Love of Ray J" came on last night & I'm watching it as I type this.

On the finale Ray J went home with the last two contestants to meet their families. Well, I just found out that Unique has bi-racial parents. Her mother is black & her father is white.

So does this mean she definitely doesn't have a curl? No, by no means am I saying that. However, the fact is, bi-racial children normally have natural curly hair.

So...is Unique's hair natural or is she a faux natural? We may never know!

I KNOW I'M LATE BUT...

Here are the pics from my recent trip to the salon. I received a much-needed trim as well as a protein treatment. Since I've experienced a huge loss of curls due to my not listening to Natalie & washing my hair before my week was up, we decided to do a loose flat twist-out.

Natalie said that she doesn't believe in re-rodding due to overprocessing & that we'll correct my curls (or lack thereof) when it's time to retouch.

The trim has definitely helped with the tangles. It appears that the shedding I was experiencing has lessened as well.

These aren't the best pics. Hubby was watching t.v. & didn't feel like taking many pics. Sorry...

No one has submitted any questions for Design Essentials. I plan to e-mail them my questions Sunday night so you still have a few days.

This is off topic but I wanted to share what's going on in my life. I began training for a 13K marathon last Saturday. WHY??? I really need to lose some weight/inches as well as get in shape. I ran Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & did an hour on the eliptical today. I've been watching what I eat but no extreme dieting. So far I've lost 7 pounds. I'm sooooo excited! Anyone out there want to shed some pounds? RUN!

Take care divas. Be safe & HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

A representative for Design Essentials (makers of Wave By Design) has contacted me & they are willing to do a Q&A session for my blog. I already have a list of questions in mind to ask like:

1. What makes Wave By Design different from other curly perms?
2. I read/hear alot of complaints about the fragrance or lack thereof when it comes to curly perm maintenance products. Have you ever considered or would you ever consider a different fragrance for your maintenance products?
3. Do you have a recommended maintenance routine for Wave By Design wearers?
4. Do you plan to post pictures of actual Wave By Design wearers on your website?
5. Excessive dryness is a chief complaint among curly perm wearers - do you have any tips for combatting this issue?
6. How important is it to exclusively use Design Essential maintenance products when wearing a Wave By Design?
7. Is it okay to wear your hair straightened while wearing a Wave By Design? If so, do you have any advice when it comes to straightening curly permed hair?

So...you know what's next. PARTICIPATION from you guys. I'm sure there are questions that you would like answered as well. Would you PLEASE sumbit your questions either as comments or via e-mail to me by Friday? I'm going to submit my list no later than Monday.

As always, I appreciate you & your support. Sorry, I haven't had any more submissions so there won't be a Tuesday Twirl feature today.

***POLL***

I've added a poll to the blog. I'm interested in knowing what types of curls you guys are wearing. Make sure you vote!

1 MONTH ANNIVERSARY - SORRY NO PICS!!!

Hi ladies. I know you're wondering how I can celebrate my 1 month anniversary & not post any pics. Well, of course I planned to do so. However, I had to cancel my hair appointment on yesterday due to sitter issues. I was due for a protein treatment & trim.

Well I washed my hair this morning, moisturized & pulled it back into a pony tail. If you need a visual it looks just like my hair did in my Protective Style post, only without the part in the middle.

I did want to do a post to reflect on this last month. I definitely feel like I'm still in the learning phase. I haven't really learned what my hair likes/dislikes. So far I'm still washing once a week & sometimes doing water only rinses during the week. Lately I've been baggying overnight for additional moisture. In the mornings I usually apply a dab of the DE moisture lotion & a few squirts of the DE moisture spray. Sometimes I just spray with water, scrunch & I'm out the door.

If I can help it, I will not be straightening my hair at all before I touch up in September. My goal is to stretch for 6 months. However, I'm going out of town for Labor Day & I haven't decided if I want my curl to be fresh or not. Only time will tell. If I like it better the older it gets, then I'll wait until after my trip to touch up. If not, I'll only wait 5 months & touch up mid August.

My hair growth definitely seems to have slowed. I usually get 1/2 - 3/4 inch per month. It seems like I've only gotten about 1/4 inch since I got my curly perm. Of course I'm down about that, especially considering I need at least a 1/4 inch trim.

Anyhoo...I'm really enjoying this blog. I just wish y'all would talk to me more - even if it's not about curly perms. I'm constantly checking for comments, just so I can interact with my readers. (:-)

Since I'm sooo new to this thing called blogging, I'm open to any suggestions that you may have.

I rescheduled my hair appointment for Thursday so I'll be sure to take some pics & post them.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Product Reviews - Care Free Curl

I realize that most curly perms do not exclusively use the products designed by the manufacturer of their curly perm. However, I would like to get information directly from users on the products available for each line. Since CFC seems to be very popular I thought I'd start here. Ladies, I'm really hoping that you'll give me feedback. Knowing whether these products actually live up to their claims can really be useful to other curl divas reading. If I receive enough feedback, I will try to compose a summary of the feedback for each product.

Much to the dismay of my stylist Natalie, I strayed from DE products for a day. I used the CFC Gold Activator as well as the CFC Snap Back Curl Restorer. Since I only used them for one day, I don't know if that was long enough to give an effective review. I can only say that I did seem to get curl restoration & my hair seemed just as moisturized as when I use DE products.

So here's the lineup for CFC & the claims of each product. This info was taken directly from the Soft Sheen Carson website.

CONDITIONING SHAMPOO
CLAIM: A protein enriched shampoo with the proper pH balance to work on Care Free Curls. This rich, creamy, pearled conditioning shampoo lathers out dirt and grease while adding cleaning emollient oils to the hair and scalp. For curls, relaxed or pressed hair.

CURL ACTIVATOR
CLAIM: Use for daily rejuvenation of curls. The built-in conditioners maintain the proper moisture-oil balance necessary for soft, healthy and moist curls. Repairs split ends, revitalizes limp curls and conditions the hair.

GOLD ACTIVATOR
CLAIM: Activates and moisturizes in one easy step. Restores curls, smooths hair and adds sheen while the silk moisturizers soften and help prevent breakage. Hair is left feeling silky and non-greasy.

GOLD DAILY MOISTURIZING CREME
CLAIM: Designed for natural or curly hair and infused with triple conditioners. Provides the ultimate moisturization in a light crème form. Leaves no heavy build up for a dry & natural feel.

GOLD HAIR & SCALP MIST
CLAIM: Exclusively formulated for the dry curl look, this product helps prevent hair breakage while providing around the clock moisture control without excess wetness. Excellent for curls or natural styles.

INSTANT MOISTURIZER
CLAIM: Activates and moisturizes in one easy step. Restores curls, smooths hair and adds sheen while the silk moisturizers soften and help prevent breakage. Hair is left feeling silky.Non-greasy.


LITE GEL CURL ACTIVATOR
CLAIM: A clear gel for the daily maintenance of curls. This gel activator penetrates quickly and is easily absorbed into the hair without flakes. The combination of humectants helps restore the proper oil-moisture balance in the hair shaft to achieve healthy and moist curls.

SNAPBACK
CLAIM: Designed to snap back the curls’ integrity. Restores moisture and oils removed during shampooing and SNAPS the hair back to life. Great fragrance!

SUSPECT CURLY PERM

I've always wondered about all of the "seemingly natural curlies" that you see on television. That increased once I got my own curly perm & fooled my husband for the longest. Off topic, I just told him yesterday that I have a curl. He wasn't upset. He actually said that it looks like it has grown.

Anyhoo...I have to admit that I am addicted to mindless entertainment a.k.a. reality television. And as much as I hate to admit it, I love "For the Love of Ray J."

On the latest episode, there is a shot of Unique with her hair wet & I suspect that she is a curly perm wearer. Of course this is only a suspicion; I have no proof.

Tell me what you think. Are there any other celebrities out there that are suspect? Hmmm...





Fast forward the video to 2:54. Here Unique has her hair wet & it was this scene that made me suspicious.

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

TUESDAY TWIRL

FEATURING: CURL DIVA, LOVES2LAUGH a.k.a. ZARA

In the words of LOVES2LAUGH...

1. How long have you had your curly perm?
I’ve had my current curly perm since January 2009.

2. What's your hair background - was this your first chemical experience?
No, I’ve had braids & weaves as well as curly perms & relaxers. I came back to curly perms because I love curly hair more than any other type of hair plus my hair reached it's longest length with curly perms.

3. What type of curly perm do you have & what's your routine?
I have a CFC but I’m still experimenting with my routine & products - I have a sensitive scalp & dry hair. I currently wash once a week - I pre-poo with EVOO, then wash with sensitive shampoo, DC with EVOO added to sensitive conditioner, towel dry, apply my daily products & leave to dry. I never use heat & don’t intend to for a long time. My daily products are UBH Dew Spray Moisturiser, UBH Crème Lotion, & Designer Touch No Drip Curl Activator. I also baggy overnight.

4. What's your favorite style?
Well, my hair is very short at the moment so I leave it in a curly afro. When it's shoulder length or longer I may try some straight styles like blowdrying it straight (not recommended you do this often). I've also heard that you can do the curly perm process without putting in rods if you want to keep the straight look until the next retouch.

However, curly styles are my favourite! I’m hoping my hair will be long enough to put up in a high curly ponytail/puff. Also, I’d like to do canerows in the front, sides & back with the curls left out on top in a puff. I also like short styles & curly bobs too... So this summer when my hair's a little longer I may try some scarves used as a head bands tied at the back with the ends left hanging down my back, 70s style. Also, when it's longer I’d like to leave it down with a side parting & have a flower at the side like the Hawaiian girls! I could go on & on!

5. Since ladies are always complaining about dryness & shedding, how do you deal with these issues?
To be honest I’ve had many problems with my hair but shedding is not one of them, in fact I currently lose very little hair. But then I only comb my hair with a large tooth comb once a week on wash days. I'm also gentle when handling my hair in general. The dryness I think is caused by porosity which I’m trying to combat. EVOO has been really helpful for dryness & UBH Dew (or any high water content moisturiser) is good for my hair. Plus I have/will be trying protein, ACV Rinses & Roux Porosity Control to combat the porosity.

6. Have you noticed any difference in your growth/retention rate?
Well, my hair seems to be growing more slowly! However, my retention rate seems to be good. With weaves & especially braids when I took them out I would lose chunks of ends when I combed. Also, I lost a lot of ends with my curly perm in 2007 (½ inch or so) but my growth was much faster, you could see the hair was growing.

7. What advice would you give to potential/new curly perm wearers?
Loads! Try & research as much as you can on perms before you take the plunge. Look around for good hairdressers, if it’s not possible to go in for a consultation beforehand at least try to have a 'mini-consultation' on the phone. Try & make sure your hair is in good condition before you perm. Be aware that people have different results; your own result will be based on your hair type, the length & condition of your hair, the size of the rods & the after care/products you use.

8. Hair type and Length.
Natural hair type 4 a or b I think; length is 3½ plus inches

Picture taken in the week after the 1st perm. I had many issues – the perm didn’t take well, the stylist combed out my hair with a small tooth comb plus the curls were too small & frizzy. I don’t have any earlier photos as I was too depressed to take any! By the time this was taken my hair had settled down .


1st perm again. Depending on how curly my hair is it shrinks by at least 50%. Definitely something to keep in mind if you’re interested in perming but your hair isn’t that long.


1st retouch, same evening. I had good curl definition & my hair looked shorter … but 6 hours later, hair has dried out & the ends have begun to straighten & look wispy (I have problems with porosity). If I don’t mosturise it will look weird & bushy.


1st retouch, same night moisturised.


Please excuse my attire! About 2 weeks & 2 washes after the retouch, my hair looks a little fuller. It’s too short to style, I just apply my products, shape it a little & leave it an afro.

Dr. Syed Has Updated

I am so grateful that Dr. Syed has taken the time to do this series on curly perms. In his latest entry, he further explains the curly perm process.

Wet Hair

Hi ladies. The weekend is coming to a rapid close. (:-( I hope everyone had an enjoyable one.

For the past few days I've been wearing protective styles when I leave the house & baggying as soon as I get home. For the most part, my hair never dries completely. I was just wondering & I plan to ask my stylist this but do you ladies think its a bad thing if your hair is wet all of the time?

Well I have a headache & 1 oxycodone is not doing the trick. I'm about to pop another one & go to bed.

Night, night...

Hair That Inspires Me

Since I started this blog I've been collecting pics of curly hair that I like for some reason or the other. So I thought I would share them with hopes that perhaps they'll inspire you, too.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

I call this look Beach Hair


I can only hope to achieve this volume one day with my curly perm. I'm thinking maybe with more length & a few months of new growth, this could definitely be a possibility.


Even though I know this is a wig, I think this is definitely a cute style for curly perm wearers.


Okay another wig but I saved this more for length inspiration than for the actual style.


Gotta love Kelis. I love the color on both of these pics. I'm contemplating doing color myself & I would love something bold & bright.



Lisa Bonet pre-locs. I would love to one day try a larger rod to mimic these curls.


Though I'm guessing this is probably a weave, I did ask my stylist could you set a curly perm on straws. I think out of fear that I might ask her to try it, she didn't really answer. LOL


Party like a Rock Star!!!

Protective Style

Since it was pouring down raining here today, I decided to do a semi-protective style. My ends aren't 100% protected but they aren't rubbing against my clothes either. It's interesting to me that my hair looks like a relaxer when it's pulled back but it feels better than relaxed hair in my opinion.

Toodles...

More important information...

Dr. Syed from Avlon has updated his blog with a Part 3 to his series on curly perms.

Let's Talk Hair Goals

Well today is my 3 week anniversary with my curly perm. Still NO regrets. I'm loving the convenience. I'm loving the low-to-no manipulation. I love my "faux natural"!

I was really feeling the healthy appearance & thickness of my newest feature's
(-PAJE-)hair. Length has been my number one goal but I'm starting to sway. Don't get me wrong, I still want to be MBL/WL in the very near future. But...I also want my hair to be thick from root to tip with no stringy ends.

Right now my short term goal is to simply be BSL, hopefully by September 24 of this year (my 35th b-day). But if not, I'd settle for hitting BSL by the Christmas holidays.

So what are your goals ladies? I've seen on BHM where some of you actually prefer to wear your curls shorter so I know length isn't necessarily everyone's ultimate goal.

Also what are you doing to achieve these goals?

For me, I've decided to try & only touch up once every 6 months. I'm also trying to discipline myself to start wearing more protective styles to preserve my ends. And, I have been baggying overnight for a moisture boost.

I look forward to hearing your feedback. Take care ladies...