The Count Down Begins!

Hey all!


As much as been loving my braids, I feel like I am going to have to will myself to get through these next two weeks. I am loving the get up and go, but I miss having a regimen, changing my look, playing in my hair. This shows me that I cannot handle having locs right now. I do love the look of them, but I crave the ability to change my look, so maybe that is something I will look into later on in life.


To help me prepare for taking down my braids, I have been looking into getting all the products I will need, before taking down my braids. I have formed a list, here is what it looks like so far...  


Shea Butter (A Staple, considered both a moisturiser & sealant, I love to use this for twists, and bantu knots)

Aloe Vera Gel (For Moisture, never used before, but I have always wanted to)

EVCO (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil) ( A Staple, I use this in my 'Super Moisturizing Homemade Coconut Leave In', to seal, prepoo, add it to dc's. It is one of my favorite oils)

Home Health Castor Oil (A Staple, I use this to help thicken my hair by using on my scalp, I also add this to dc's, and also to seal)

EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) (Used to prepoo, seal, can add to dc's, I have not used this oil in a while and would like to see if my hair would take to it')

Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (A Staple, I use this in everything)

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In (I have always wanted to try this product, and I am hoping I get around to doing so)

I would also like a couple of new spray and applicator bottles.)



I will be clarifying after prepooing, with either VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime, or my new Mint Shampoo Bar (a solid bar used to cleanse hair)  from LUSH, which is infused with different herbs, like peppermint, cinnamon, and nettle, to promote hair growth.


I have narrowed down which dc's I will be using. (After doing something like braids, you always should do a protein treatment, followed by a moisturising dc. Balance is key!)

For Protein it will be either
Tropical Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Mayonnaise Protein Conditioner
or
Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise

For Moisture it will be either
LUSH Retread

Hask & Henna Henna 'n' Placenta Pack

Roux Porosity Control Extreme Pak Moisturizing Treatment

I also have Shea Butter, and Avocado Skala (Domincan brand) conditioner, that I can mix with oils.

I have yet to decide on the dc's. (All new products, and dc's I have yet to use, I will be reviewing.)

What do you guys think....of the protein & moisturising dc's which two should I use? Also, what style should I do once the braids are out?

Would love to have you guys opinion! Comment & Subscribe!


~Naomi

Deep Conditioning Challenge 4 Update

As you all know, my Deep Conditioning Challenge officially began yesterday May 16th, 2010, and will end September 16th, 2010, with official update posts from participants on the 16th of the month until September 16th, which is the ending date, rules are posted in the original Deep Conditioning Challenge 4 post , even though I am doing it on my home forum BHP you guys are more than welcome in joining the challenge!

I am using Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner as my protein, and Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol as my moisturizing deep conditioners, as the challenge requires participants to have both a moisture and protein deep conditioner.

I started off my wash day and the official first day of the challenge by doing a cayenne pepper treatment, water only paste, which I left on for a little over an hour with a cap. I then, washed my hair with VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime which is a clarifying conditioner (which strips the hair and scalp of product build up and oils) I  did a quick cowash with VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, and then added my deep conditioner. I chose to use Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner, and added coconut milk, mixed with a tiny bit of oil to my hair after applying the dc, by using a spray bottle.

I have never used coconut milk, but I thought it would be cool to try something new. I put on two plastic caps, and also a towel around my neck, as the coconut milk made the dc very runny. I left that in for about an hour as well. My hair did not come out feeling as soft as usual, but it was not exactly rough either, it did feel stronger though.

I also used the coconut as a leave in, as sprayed coconut milk in my hair, again it was runny, I used Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil to seal, and VO5 Free Me Freesia to add some softness to my hair, as well as to stop the coconut milk from running. I also put LJBCO on my spots and edges.

I parted my hair and did about 25 plaits in my hair, and left it alone. I still have them in and will probably take them down tomorrow. I will post the results then!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3