Healthy Hair Challenge 2011 Update

April 6th, 2011 at 9:30 am.

It’s been a few weeks since officially kicking of the Healthy Hair 2011 challenge, so I figure an update is definitely in order. Back when I first put together my list of do’s & don’ts, the first priority that came to mind was Deep Conditioning. I wanted to make sure this was at the top of the list mainly because it’s often a huge hurdle to overcome each week. No matter if I do get it done, there’s always a ‘what works best’ scenario to mull over first.

Since falling out of love with Henna, I’ve had to scrummage around for old favorites until I find something new. Not a bad thing, recently I’ve relied on Shea Moisture’s Balancing Condish, and continue to love the results. The something ‘more’ that my hair craves is a product that will strengthen, while conditioning and show me noticeable results immediately after rinsing.

It’s been a couple of washes since first noticing a change in the hair’s overall curl texture post Henna & womp, no improvements. Sarah did mention that a beer rinse could help revive the curls and possibly revert them back to their glorious kinky ways. I’m certainly not a quitter, so for the first time since college I’ll be heading to the local bodega and asking for a few cans of weezy beverage.

If you guys have tried a Beer Rinse, please share your experiences, would love to know what to expect!

This week will find me following up on a Bentonite Treatment to detox the hair, and this time I’ll be mixing in a bit of ACV. It’s been a while since I’ve reaped the benefits ACV and I have no reason not to incorporate it back into my routine. Apple Cider Vinegar helps remove buildup, adds shine and helps promote a healthy scalp – good stuff!

What I’ve Learned So far….

  • I am not a length check…kinda gal. Just can’t. Tried tho! But, yep…after being natural for a bit over 10 years, you’re able to pinpoint when your hair’s growing/thriving and making you happy.
  • Diligence is very important if you expect to reach your goals. I’ve had more than a few moments when the motivations was lacking, and a marathon of Cupcake Wars was all my eyes could see. Thankfully I’ve persevered…and realized that re-runs are a good thing;)
  • While this particular challenge is in fact all about hair, I’m also finding that many of the lessons are easily applicable to other areas of my life. Mane & Chic has a great series devoted to this, Hair Care Philosophies that speaks to this very well

Do you ever find that writing your thoughts down, putting them into semi-formal actualization makes them real? Lately I’ve been holding myself accountable for missed nights when I could’ve been sealing my ends…or hustling to the store to stock up on Shampoo. Small…yeah. But then I remember my goals, where I wrote them down & my initial intentions behind the action…and they become so much more real. And so does the end.

I’m looking forward to finishing this challenge and reaching my goal (which is not necessarily waist length). My desire is of course to have longer, fuller hair…but for myself & no one else. & because I find it fun & oddly empowering.

 

7 comments ( Reply )

  1. LaNeshe
    Apr 06, 2011 @ 9:46 am

    I’m going to be doing my first henna treatment soon. How drastic was your curl definition change? Do you have any pics? How long did you leave the henna on? What was your mix? …..ok, sorry for all the questions, I’ll stop now lol
    LaNeshe recently posted..I am a Woman

    Reply

    • chai
      Apr 06, 2011 @ 1:26 pm

      I wouldn’t say drastic enough to make me cut off several inches, but definitely noticeable. Left the Henna on for only about an hour, but my hair takes to color and chemicals etc., pretty quickly. I posted my the mix in my last Henna Post if you want to check it out, but it wasn’t anything out the ordinary, didn’t even let the dye release. When you do your Henna, would love to hear your results! I’m still investigating Cassia and a few other herbs;)

      Reply

  2. Jc
    Apr 07, 2011 @ 7:26 am

    I missed that previous Henna post. Wow only two applications!

    I have no tangible hair goals. I am in the freedom phase as I call it. I just do what makes me happy. If I want free hair for three weeks then I have it, if I want braids for 3 months then I do them. It is more about styling for a mix of convenience (like braids for swimming) or for an occasion (knot out for my birthday) or laziness (afro with flower cause I could not be bothered!).

    I think length goals are a killer to enjoyment. At the same time, if my hair was not the length that it is I probably would not be enjoying it as much (lol, I do contradict myself but such is life!)

    Reply

    • chai
      Apr 07, 2011 @ 9:40 am

      I know…I was disappointed after the 2nd application & seeing a noticeable difference…but no regrets! The benefits are still great, just not compatible with my texture, at least for now;). Lately I’ve been upping my protective styles, but still very much enjoying the process…frustrations seem to manifest during the detangling process (as always…!), but looking forward to when I can look in the mirror and be satisfied with what I set out to do!!

      Reply

  3. sarah
    Apr 07, 2011 @ 5:35 pm

    aww, shucks, shout out to me!

    let me know how that beer rinse goes… i have some that’s been sitting in my fridge for quite a while so i might throw some on myself after a cleansing session.
    sarah recently posted..im lazy

    Reply

    • chai
      Apr 07, 2011 @ 10:07 pm

      will keep you guys posted, I’m thinking I should just have a few spare ones in the fridge for matter such as this now, lol

      Reply

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