Well it's About TIME!!

I did it y'all!!

For the first time in over a year I have my hair pulled back in a ponytail. I'm still a little shocked just looking at myself in the mirror. The infamous ponytail used to be my staple style when I was relaxed, but I am hating it right now :(

I feel like it makes my head look long and alien-like...LOL..then I forgot my earrings at home this morning, so I feel like a little boy. This will take some getting used to, but I do plan to try this again.

I simply co-washed and pushed my hair back under the shower stream while rinsing, then slicked a nice amount of EcoStyler gel across the front and sides. Secured with an ouchless band, and tied the edges under a silk scarf until I got to work.

The results are below..you can really see the color. Oh, did I forget to tell you guys that I colored my hair?? Hmmm..my bad!! More on that later!!

I'm on the DT Bandwagon!

I hate to admit that I am wrong...like it sucks..a lot. But I have to admit that I was wrong in thinking that it was not necessary to Deep Treat Condition my hair on a regular basis. The assumption that natural hair is healthy hair is so untrue and I have learned that deep conditioning with a correct balance of protein and moisturization are of the utmost importance. The error of my ways has been corrected and I would like to share two Deep Treat Concoctions with you all.

The first one I tried (and forgot to take pics of) was the tried and true Egg Protein Mask. You will need:

2 Large eggs

2oz of any moisturizing conditioner

2tblsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I mixed all three of the above in an applicator bottle. Its best to beat the eggs before pouring them into the bottle. Add the remaining ingredients and shake well. Apply all over, making sure to coat the entire strand, and cover with a plastic shower cap. This treatment is VERY drippy, so be sure you have a bath towel around your neck. You can use heat or not (I didn't) and let it sit for at least 30mins. The final AND MOST IMPORTANT step is to rinse with cool water. Not cold, but definitely cool, so that the egg doesn't literally "cook" in your hair.

Once you rinse, you should notice that your hair feels a little hard; this is normal as the egg helps to rebuild the protein bonds of your hair, so it should feel instantly stronger. I soften things up a bit with a quick co-wash, then continue on with regular styling.

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Another recipe I tried was the Mayo Deep Treat. You will need:

2 heaping tablespoons of Real Mayonnaise (*not* Miracle Whip)

2 tblsp of Olive Oil

2 tblsp of pure Honey

Mix everything in a bowl and apply as directed for the Egg Deep Treat. This one is not quite as drippy but it smells like pure azz!! OMG! If you don't like mayo (like me) this deep treat can be torturous to your nostrils, but the results are worth it. I slept in mine overnight. Make sure you cover your pillow with towel if you go that route.

I have since been Deep Treating weekly with a protein mask. Daily co-washing provides me with more than enough moisture; almost too much actually. I felt like my hair was a little too stringy and "gummy" before I started the protein treatments, and now my hair is a lot more resilient and my curls are popping more than they were before. I can get 3 day hair from a wash and go, which never happened before.

If you're not on the Deep Treat Bandwagon, get on it! The sooner the better!

Smooches