Hey everybody! Happy Spring! It’s been a while since I’ve updated you all on my hair; can you believe a whole six months have gone by since my big chop? Crazy how time flies! Today, I just want to have a chat about the ups and downs I’ve experienced since initially cutting my hair, products I’m using now, as well as products/tools I have my eye on to aid in the future of my hair journey.
Hair Update
Since initially cutting my hair on September 30th, 2017, I’ve joked around with family and friends that I should’ve stayed relaxed. Why didn’t y’all tell me single strands knots would literally be the BANE of my natural hair journey? I’ve cut about an inch of hair since my initial cut to try to deal with these single strand knots (and rid myself of any straight ends left over from my initial cut), and they’re still there! I have to get a new pair of shears to cut out the knots when I see them to prevent myself from just ripping them out like I do when I’m too lazy to find the scissors (that’s bad; don’t do that). I’ll update more on my success with single strand knots at a later date.
Other than that, I’m loving my curl pattern. I’m a type 4 natural and my coily hair gives me so much life. My favorite thing is to twist my hair and marvel at the little coils at the ends. Shrinkage is real, but I’m happy to report that I don’t have any visible signs of heat damage from heat styling my hair a few times. My easy, go to style is a twist out as I find twists easier to install in my hair nowadays.
Over these last six months, I have realized that I’m style challenged. I think I’ve become too dependent on wigs because my braid game is HELLA slacking. At this point, I’m about to purchase an Afro textured mannequin head to practice braiding on. I want to get into styling my hair more when the warmer weather comes, so I can rock a summertime fro. Hours of hand pain and practice, here I come!
Products
So, if you’re new here, you may not know that I’m a student at Product Junkie University. At this point, I’m going to graduate with my Bachelor’s in Product Hoarding, and I will continue my education by gaining a Master’s in Spending Way Too Much Money On All The Things. Seriously though, I’m a product junkie, and I can’t stop buying products to test on my hair. Just to give you an idea of the things I’ve purchased for my hair since I’ve been natural exclusively:
- Camille Rose Naturals The “Leave-In” Collection: Honey Hydrate & Latte Define
- Function of Beauty Shampoo & Conditioner
- Eden Bodyworks Curl Defining Creme
- Aunt Jackie’s Natural Oil Blends: Flaxseed & Monoi, Argan
- Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath (shampoo), Agave & Lavender Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner
- Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner, Strengthen & Grow Loc & Braid Butter, Curl Enhancing Smoothie
- The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Shampoo & Conditioner
- Acure Mega Moisture Argan Oil & Pumpkin Conditioner
- Love Beauty & Planet Shea Butter & Sandalwood Conditioner
- Soultanicals Mega Greens Butta Shampoo & “Can’t Believe It’s Knot Syrup” Extreme Conditioner
- Mixed Chicks Paddle Brush
Obviously, I have a thing for shampoos & conditioners, judging by my product list. My base hair routine hasn’t really changed since I was relaxed; only the products have changed. My routine is as follows:
- Shampoo once a week
- Detangle hair in the shower with a slippery conditioner
- Deep condition once a week
- Moisturize & seal hair as needed
- Style in cornrows for wig wearing or twists for “at-home” wear
When the weather decides if it wants to be warm consistently, I may change my routine up to add in a co-wash once a week and add another deep conditioning treatment in since I’ll possibly wear my hair out more. Right now, I’m into protective styling. I am tempted to make crochet braid wigs, and also installing box braids or Marley twists into my hair as the weather gets warmer. I’m partial to Marley twists (as they’re easier on my hands to install), but it’s been years since I’ve had box braids. Time will tell which one I choose. Either way, you’ll see my hairstyles on my Instagram (@shunarae).
Products/Tools I’m Eyeing
Do you remember when I said I was a product junkie? Well, let me continue to show how I have no self-control when it comes to products, and to share with you a few products and tools I’m interested in purchasing:
- Q-Redew Hand-Held Hair Steamer: I’ve been eyeing this hair tool for years at this point, but I can never bring myself to purchase it. To sum it up, this product is a hand-held hair steamer that you can use to refresh your curls, help moisturize your strands, and it can help your deep conditioner penetrate deeper into your strands. I’ll leave a link down below if you want to read up on this product yourself.
- Headwraps: With warm weather (hopefully) approaching, I am preparing to purchase a plethora of headscarves. Sometimes, I can’t be bothered with styling my hair (or putting on a. wig), so headwraps are my go-to style. I plan on wearing a lot more headwraps this upcoming spring and summer to protect my hair, hide my processing caps while deep conditioning, and just to add a bit of style to my summer wardrobe.
- Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush: I need another detangling brush like I need another Funko Pop in my collection, but I’m so interested in this brush! I’ve been wanting this brush for a while, and I might purchase it before the summer to aid in detangling.
- Satin Bonnets & Pillowcases: I’m an advocate for satin bonnets, but now I want to branch out to pillowcases. I have my eye on a few BOB (black-owned businesses) that make satin bonnets & pillowcases, and I want to order some before the warmer weather hits. If I order any, I’ll be sure to share that with you all on here and my social media channels.
So, I think that’s it for this update. I’m considering doing hair growth updates twice a year; let me know if you’d be interested in that. This spring/summer, I want to experiment more with my hair as I learn to do wash-and-go’s, and different hairstyles on my awkward length hair. I’ll be sure to share everything on my Instagram, so be sure to follow me on there! Until next time, stay blessed, stay prayed up, and live life like it’s golden!
Links:
http://www.felicialeatherwood.com/brush/
