NAPTURAL85's GREEK YOGURT CONDITIONER

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Well I took down my braids after 2 months and boy did it need some TLC!! I mean a serious DC was in order. Naptural85 is one of my favorite YouTubers so I decided to give her Greek Yogurt Conditioner a try. When I tell you it was the truth….it was THE TRUTH!! I haven’t been this excited since I began adding honey to my conditioners for my co-washes.

Now of course my hair was in all kinds of knots but I will say adding the conditioner and separating my hair with the conditioner in it helped A WHOLE LOT when I got in the shower. It was kind of like a pre-detangling session.

I know how my hair feels after it's been in braids or twists and it does not feel good.  This conditioner left my hair feeling really soft and manageable.  I poo’d and co-washed as normal after my DC, but I could definitely tell this conditioner worked its magic on my hair. It definitely has my stamp of approval. Go try it out!!

This is my rendition:

I only used what I had on hand, I substituted the lavendar oil for the EVOO.  I was kind of nervous about the smell, but surprisingly it didn't smell as bad I thought it would.  It could be from my 'poo and co-wash, but either way, it worked.  This is a must try!

Check out the vid below:

 

Enjoy!!!

NEEM OIL

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So I was walking around a fair and came across some Whipped Shea Butter mixed with Neem Oil.  I asked the vendor what Neem Oil is supposed to do and he said it works to control an itchy scalp. SOLD.  We all know I have scalp issues, especially around the cooler months, so I figured I'd try it out.  

I will say, before I completely jumped off the deep end with trying it, I looked it up.  I wanted to make sure I did a little bit of homework on this Neem Oil which I had never heard about.  

Here's what I found:

Neem oil is antibacterial, antifungal and full of Vitamin E to nourish your scalp and hair

Neem oil can relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis

Neem oil makes your hair soft, shiny and strong while encouraging growth

Helps with thinning and dry hair

It also works as a bug repellent and treats cold sores, and acne


Not too shabby for a $5 investment right?  We'll see if it lives up to its description.  But I will say, the smell is AWFUL.  That's probably why it's mixed with the Shea Butter.  My goodness :(    If I had known it smelled this bad I wouldn't have bought it, but oh wells.  Here's to trying new things!

INTRODUCING ~ PERRINNE

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Hey guys!!  She's gotta a whole lotta hair already, but there's always room to improve.  Let's welcome Perrinne!!



Length goal for the challenge:  An additional 2 inches (lower back area)


Current regimen: Separate, wash (using spray bottle), rise. Condition, comb, then twist and let set. Rinse, leave-in condition. Final step twist with Gel.


What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal?  More regular trims.


Something you've learned or tweaked during this process:  I have to use a spray bottle for my initial wash to make sure I get all sections and parts of my hair. The separate in the shower then wash was not really getting all parts of my hair clean.

 
Kudos to Perrinne!  Here we GROW!!!

INTRODUCING ~ ALBERTA

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Hello all! Happy Tuesday to ya!  We have another participant to introduce, let's all welcome Alberta!!

Length goal for the challenge:  My goal at the end of this is to have a healthy inch or two protected by some braids until I reach my ultimate big fro goal.

 
Current Regimen and styling choices:  I decided to go Natural AGAIN in July...not wanting to do a 3rd or 4th big chop I'm deciding to transition and wear braids.


What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal? I plan on wearing braids and wigs.


Something you've learned or tweaked during this process: I leave it wrapped at times because it avoids too much manipulation



Kudos to Alberta! Here we GROW!!

THE TRUTH ABOUT CURLS BY PAUL MITCHELL

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As if we need another product, but hey, I'm always open :)  Paul Mitchell has jumped on the curly train and launched their "Truth About Curls" campaign. 

Here's what the line boasts:

Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo: Rich lather gently cleanses curls without roughing up the cuticle. “Prepares curls for a frizz-free finish.” Ultra-moisturizing and sulfate-free.

Full Circle Leave-In Treatment: Lightweight conditioning treatment won’t weigh hair down. Do-it-all formula hydrates, detangles and tames frizz. Replenishes thirsty locks and helps protect against damage.


Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer: Dual-formula swirls together hydrating cream and smoothing gel. Defines, separates and tames unruly curls and waves without frizz or crunchiness. Helps curls retain their shape and bounce all day long.


Ultimate Wave Beachy Texture Cream Gel: Secret weapon for creating sexy, tousled beach waves. Forms, separates and adds loads of texture. Humidity-resistant for perfectly imperfect frizz-free styles.

I feel like I'm reading the same ol' same ol' same.  Nothing really jumps out at me, but I might give the Curl Definer or Ultra Wave a try. 

I've read mixed reviews and it seems to work better with curly girls who have a wavier texture.  Not really for us kinky gals.  But don't let that stop you, try it for yourself!  Be sure to let us know how it works out. 

JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL

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After reading this article I am definitely adding Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my Fall regimen. 

I have been meaning to try it for the longest, but life happened and I forgot about it...until now.  I've read/watched reviews of it and mostly everyone who uses it is pleased.  So why not now?

Here's what it boasts:

 It works for all hair types.

 It will moisturize, thicken, strengthen your hair. 

 Prevent hair breakages, dandruff, eczema and dry, itchy scalp. BOOM!!

 Works extremely well for those who have thinning edges or just want a thicker fuller head of hair 

There are many variations, but the one most used and loved is Tropic Isle.  You can get it from Amazon.com and any other beauty outlet on the web or you can go directly to their site here.  Get more info on JBCO here.

Have you tried JBCO before? Spill!! I can't wait to get mine!

INTRODUCING: KIMA

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Hey guys!! Let's all welcome Kima!!

Length goal for the challenge:  I hope to have my hair reach my nose!!


Current Regimen and styling choices:  I recently cut the color off the tips of my hair because it was damaged :( *been there*  I co-wash my hair every week and normally wear my hair in a Puff.


What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal?  I plan on wearing protective styles such as two strand twists and braids to help my hair grow.


Something you've learned or tweaked during this process:  Patience is Key!


Kudos to Kima! Here we GROW!!

INTRODUCING: MELANIE

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**CHEERS** The Fall 2012 Grow Out Challenge has commenced!!  I'm excited to introduce all of the participants and look forward to sharing their journey with you guys.  So without further ado, let's introduce our first participant:

Melanie

Her current length:

Length goal for the challenge:  To grow 2 full inches (and how about the Challenge ends on her 2-year Naturversary *fist pump*)

Current Regimen and styling choices:  My current regimen is a weekly cowash and a biweekly wash.  I deep condition weekly with an avocado mix. For any styling that's done I use a Shea butter mix. 

What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal?  I don’t plan to change much but I do plan to incorporate Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) and Nettle oil into my homemade mixes. 

Something you've learned or tweaked during this process:  As for what I've learned that is too much to tell. I have fallen in love with my hair which in turn has made me love myself even more if that's at all possible.  But I'm interested to use new essential oils namely Nettle, Lavender and Peppermint.  So here’s to the journey!!


Kudos to Melanie!  Here we GROW!!