Curl Preservation and Conditioning: The "Baggy" Method

As a natural, two of the hardest things to maintain are our hair's moisture level and curl formation from day to day. For some dry hair is a serious problem that can result in crispity, lifeless curls.



I've found that the best way to stave off a case of the crispies is to invest in one of the cheapest beauty items out there: the disposable plastic shower cap. I originally bought a pack of 20 to use in conjunction with deep treatments, however I more frequently use them to sleep in using the "Baggy Method."



If you haven't heard of baggying before, simply put, it is tucking your hair away under a plastic cap to preserve the moisture as much as possible. The best time to do this in my opinion is overnight when hair is prone to dryness due to cotton pillowcases and scarves, and the friction of rubbing against the fabric. I've found that even when I start with dry hair at night, my hair is damp in the mornings due to condensation (from my body heat). So to take advantage of this, I rub a little olive oil or conditioner over my hair before applying the cap, then tie my silk scarf over the cap. In the morning I just fluff and go!

I've also been practicing filling in my brows. Shapely brows are a great, free accessory for all naturals. Practice makes perfect! Just be sure find a color brow pencil or powder that closely matches your hair color. I'm almost there...thanks to Tdavis for the inspiration :)

Patience is a Virtue..

...That I DON'T HAVE!!

So I guess that last post about the tired, sandy-brown/red hair color threw me over the edge...and I colored my hair once more. I went to my local BSS store and after about an hour of staring at little hair color swatches, I finally settled for a dark brown made by a brand I have never heard of before: DaVinci (color 4M- Mahogany Brown).

Now I've actually had some training in cosmetology so I feel comfortable with coloring my own hair at home. If the terms 'color wheel' and 'creme developer' sound foreign to you, please find a hair color specialist!! (You have officially been warned)

The color turned out to be a very dark brown. Indoors it almost looks black but outdoors you can really see the Mahogany brown. It lightens a bit with each co-wash and I really love it. I think I prefer myself with darker hair, just not fully "black" like I did when I was relaxed.

I can't wait to see the color when it is straightened for my Nappyversary...Oct. 22nd is the date!! Woot woot!

The pics below were taken the morning after the color process, hence the color halo around my hairline...hot mess! But it faded after only a day :)

Countdown to my 2 Year Nappyversary

The countdown is on! I will be 2 years on this natural journey in October and I have learned SO MUCH in the process. The longer my hair has gotten, the more it has taken on its own personality and demonstrated a few "character flaws." LOL!

Most days, I absolutely love my hair and my decision to go natural. Other days...I feel frustrated and a little bored really. The curl pattern of my hair is so unbelievably tight that it's very difficult to make it hold the patterns of twist-outs, etc. 3 hours worth of twisting for my hair to look like a baby fro is not a good look..at all... so I have been rocking wash-n-go's for a few months now.

The color that I have in my hair has grown out considerably, and taken on this funky reddish hue. I love it and hate it at the same time. The lighter color helps define my curls, but the red haze gives me a sandy look that I despise. New color is definitely going down next month...I'm looking for a true brown that looks like a rich milk chocolate. I figure that would look good curly or straight.

I do plan to straighten my hair again in October. I've only had it straighted once since October 2008. I will be going back to Blade...(sigh..I love Blade and he's only done my hair once...) for a good steam treatment, trim, and press. I figure that my hair is somewhere between my shoulder blades stretched out, but we will see.

In the meantime, I am going to up my deep conditioning routine to prepare for this heat. Switching back and forth between protein and moisturizing conditioners. I've used up the last of my Motions CPR and thinking I would like to try Elasta QP's deep treatment. Idk..their little jar is entirely too small for the price...maybe I'll stick with eggs and Mayo for protein.

Things I'm loving right now:

• Suave Professionals Humectant Conditioner for cowashing (LOVE IT!!)
  
  
• Mizani Curl Replenish- Got two small packets from the hair show..considering the investment of a full jar. The pic above, my hair has the Mizani and Cantu Shea left in..

• Essie Nail Polishes- This polish is the bomb! Goes on super smooth and has deep pigments that cover very well...sometimes in one coat. The neutrals don't streak, which is HUGE in my book. I can polish my nails in the car on the way to work (one coat) and they are dry in 10 mins. (Kids...don't try this at home..LOL!)

• Sally Hansen X-treme Wear Topcoat (polish lasts a week before chipping on my NATURAL nails!!)

• The Little Black Brush- I got this freebie from the spa in Miami. Love the way it detangles and I will be looking for a professional version of this ASAP!!