Most Recent Product Haul + Mini Hair Set Back *Update*

It's been a longggg time since I purchased products for my hair. For the past few months I was just living off of the surplus of products I had. I didn't see the need to purchase anything new until my staples ran out i.e. S-curl No Drip Activator. Everything else you see in the photo is new to me (except for Aphogee). I'm just curious to see how my hair reacts to them :)

I've used the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor in the past and I remember it being so-so on my hair. I never wrote a review neither did I write about it in my hair journal so I'm going to try it out again (just for my records). Lately I've been learning about ceramides and how they are good for the hair, lo and behold, they are in the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor ingredients - Nice! Most importantly, I would also like to compare it to Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor and observe the differences as I mentioned I would here.

This Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultra Hydration deep conditioner caught my eye. I've NEVER seen this product before so I immediately I picked it up. I'm anxious to try it out. Based on the ingredients it looks like a moisture/ultra light protein conditioner...I guess we'll see.

I recently tried out the Mane n Tail Detangler so expect a review on that shortly and last but not least, Wild Growth Oil. I'm excited to try this oil. I hear nothing but good stuff about it from my Hairlista ladies. Although I've found my staple oils, I'm willing to try this one out for recommendation purposes.

On to the depressing News...

I've become a victim of excessive split ends due to dull hair scissors. It's sad but true. I've had these Eclipse Hair Sheers from Sally Beauty Supply since fall 2008. I've only used them for dusting my ends, nothing else! However, I consistently noticed the re-occurrence of split ends. I'm there thinking to myself "I'm doing everything right so why on earth am I repeatedly seeing split ends? This makes NO sense!"

So I started doing research and I came across several articles stating that dull scissors will only encourage the hair to split further since the dull blades leave the ends open effectively creating a new split where it just removed one. Horrible cycle huh? There I am dusting my ends only to realize that I'm making the problem worse! SMH. I even explained my situation to the people over at Sally Beauty Supply and they mentioned that my particular scissors do not stay sharp for long and should be sharpened at least once a year, if not more, depending on how often you use them.

Now my main mission is to invest in high quality scissors (if you own a pair fill me in on where you got them from and how well they've work for you) or get mine sharpened every 3-6 months. I'll figure something out *sigh*. Learn from this experience folks, assess & evaluate the scissors you are using. I wouldn't want you to become a victim either :(

With that being said, I had my stylist trim the split ends off. I'm starting fresh - again. I believe I'm hovering around Bra Strap Length. It's all good. With the Castor Oil Challenge taking right now until summer, I should bounce back.

Man, when stuff like this happens I quickly remember that this Hair Journey is definitely a marathon not a sprint *wink*.

Happy Hair Growing☺

♥ Sunshyne

Quick Hair Update

I relaxed today(6.18.09). Everything went well. Applied coconut oil the day before and the day of my relaxer. I used ORS Olive Oil Lye Normal Strength (as you all know), did a mid step protein treatment with Hollywood Beauty Carrot Oil Cholesterol (stylist's choice), Neutralized (3x's), trimmed, roller set, blow dried a bit and that's it!

I got a little trim since I haven't had one since November 2008. I don't notice a huge difference in growth this time around. I SLACKED OFF big time applying the Castor oil to my scalp. I'm kicking myself right now. In total, I missed about 2-3 wks of the challenge i.e. vacation, busy with business and just straight up forgetting :(

However, I do see and feel a difference where thickness is concerned. My hair feels like it has more weight (stronger & heavier - Thanks to the Protein Is My BFF) and the health has improved tremendously. I'm happy with my hair right now :)

I barely have photo's of this relaxer b/c I have NO CAMERA. I'm deeply saddened by this. I was lucky to take photo's of my braid out since I was at my girls house. I have more photo's on Hairlista. You can also check out the Right hand column "Recent Hair Photos" for more pics.

Oh - I picked up a bottle of my beloved Jamaican Black Castor Oil so I'm back in businesssss.

(sorry for the horrible photo's, these were taken with my phone and bad lighting)

♥ Sunshyne

Relaxed and Trimmed aka BIG CHOP

I relaxed my hair with Mizani Butter Blends system at the salon and it went well, I don't have much to say about the relaxer to be honest. I just don't see the hype. It relaxed my hair just like any other relaxer I've tried. I didn't notice a difference. I also got a BIG CHOP on my ends. I disliked them for a long time (since August 2008) but I was so scared to get them trimmed (from my previous hair updates). I haven't trimmed my hair since May 1st, 2008. I just thought "babying" them would do the trick...it didn't... oh well.

I wanted it done because they just didn't feel healthy, and healthy hair is NUMBER 1 on my list...not raggedy ends. I decided to cut it this length and straight across. I feel like my hair will grow better and not in a "V" shape (I personally don't like it). So I'm pretty much at APL. It may be a setback but I don't look at it that way. Right now it's all about maintaining my ends!! I'm happy since it looks much healthier. My hair is pretty much all texlaxed, so those old relaxed ends needed to go!


I'm in the "Moisturize & Bun for Length Challenge" on HAIRLISTA INC. , come and join me!!

Here is a pic to show you ladies what I'm talking about:






♥ Sunshyne

My 1 Year Hair Care Journey Anniversary!!

One year ago today, marks the day that I decided "enough is enough" and started to take care of my hair. I've had a couple struggles yet gained a lot of knowledge throughout my journey. My hair idols, BabygurlNC, SistaSlick, Sylver2, Loveya4eva, and Traycee kept me motivated. I`m so grateful. APL is where I am right now, BSL is where I plan on being Early 2009. I have 1 more relaxer to go for the year, YAY!

Here is a comparison shot:

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Update

• Still haven't dusted my ends like I said I was..haha..I'm such a chicken!!
• Kinda shedding (nothing too serious), I think my iron is low @ the moment.
• Haven't found that "perfect" mid-week DC since Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner
• I ♥ Hot Six Oil as a sealent after I moisturize plus it has my beloved Safflower Oil in it too.
• Finally found my staple shampoo's 1) Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo (red label) & 2) Jason Sea Kelp Shampoo
• Realized that I'm really underprocessed in the back of my hair close to my nape. It's "Wave city" back there! The Nu Expressions Normal Strength relaxer was noootttt strong enough for my coarse hair! I'm 6 wks post but really feeling like I'm 8-9 wks post relaxer. I think Im texlaxed by accident :-(

♥ Sunshyne

I Relaxed & I'm Full APL :-)

OMG, this stretch was sooo long. It felt like years, honestly..LOL. As you may or may not know, I'm currently in North Carolina and its been a hard task trying to find a hair dresser that appreciates healthy hair care practices. I goggled & called around and finally found a salon called Unique Hair Creations in Fayettville, North Carolina . They were great!!!!

My stylist was nice, very attentive and grateful for my service. She used Nu Expressions Normal strength relaxer by Bronner Brothers. It didn't burn or irritate my scalp. She suggested that I get a trim (like every stylist) but I said "No" since I can't trust just anyone to trim my hair. She was very understanding in my decsion. She put a lot of heat protectant/serum in my hair before flat ironing so my hair looks kinda flat. Oh well, Im happy its relaxed & it grew. Here are the results:

For more photos, check out my Fotki and leave a comment letting me know you came through :-). In order to view some of my photos you must be logged in (a member).

♥ Sunshyne

Regimen Changes : (

I've been doing some research and because of this I've been switching up the products that I'm going to be using in My Regimen. For starters, I will no longer be using Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner or Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo.

Next, I won't be using CON Ultra shampoo (green label) because I notice that every time I use it my hair ends up drier later on that same day or in the week. Maybe its build up? or its too alkaline...who knows!

I've been using Elasta QP Creme Conditioning shampoo, Porosity Control Conditioner and Shampoo for a while and I love the way it makes my hair feel!! Plus its pH Balanced with no SLS (pH 5.5). Porosity Control conditioner has honestly saved my hair over the past couple months with my tangles & porous issues. I'm not too happy with the ingredients because it contains dmdm hydantoin which may release formaldehyde into the body and thats considered toxic.

It hurts, because when you find something that really agrees with her hair and makes it feel so fab, you realize that everything in it is bad for your health!!! This frustrates me so much : ( Now I'm on the hunt for a shampoo thats pH Balanced (pH 4.5-5.5), with no SLS, and no DMDM Hydantoin (or it has to be at the bottom of the ingredient list).

I just might have to keep the PC Conditioner (use it less frequently) because I don't know anything like it. ACV rinses are great but not like my Porosity control...uhhhh the search continues!! If I could just find a shampoo with a low pH.....

* My Current Regimen *

IM OFFICIALLY APL!!

OMG its been an interesting journey but I can finally claim APL. Im so happy words cannot describe. I've met my goal in about 7 months. In the beginning I thought it would take about a year. Im glad that I've met my goal before that. I have gone through a couple set backs but that did not stop me. I relaxed on May 1st 2008 and I also got a trim. Here are the results:

I did it! I got my Relaxerrrrrrrr and it feels GOOD

I relaxed my hair on May 1st after a long 3 month stretch. I thought it would never be over, but it is and I've seen a big improvement in my hair. It has grown alot. I also got a mini trim or should I say "dusting" on my ends. I have not trimed my hair since November 16th 2007. I only trim my hair every other relaxer, so thats about 2-3 times a year. I think this will be my LAST 3 month stretch simply because its a lot of working keeping the new growth tame and untangled. I think the most I will stretch will be 8-10 weeks from now on...lol...we'll see.

My next relaxer will be on July 17th '08. In between that time I will be doing the same thing, wash twice a week, deep condition after each wash, moisturize and seal every morning and night and baggy once in a while whenever my ends feel extra dry. A detailed breakdown of my regimen will be posted within the next couple of days so keep posted and of course relaxer pics!!!

Quick Hair Update!

Im officially 10 weeks post relaxer and for some reason this time around its not that easy. I've noticed recently that I've had a lot of tangles around the new growth/roots area. I just spray it with my moisturizer and detangle with my fingers after I wash my hair.

I've also noticed that my ends are noticably thinner than usual. I mean it could be that I have so much growth that my ends just appear thinner, but I know this time around I will be trimming/dusting my ends. I have not trimmed my ends since Nov '07, so my hair is probably telling me to do a light trim, which is cool with me.

Other Updates:

• Only baggy when ends are extremely dry.
• I limit the amount of moisturizer I put on my hair if I baggy to reduce 'mushy hair'.
• No longer seal moisture in my hair if using a baggy. I seal the morning after.
• If I do Apple Cider Vinegar rinses, I do them after my deep conditioner to close the cuticle.
• I now detangle in the shower with a shower comb and lukewarm water.