I'm back 2019 !!!!!!

Hey everyone if you're still here, I cannot believe how long since I last blogged mostly because sometime after my last entry the BlogSpot app stopped working on my IPad and it was such a headache trying to even look at my blog let alone write in it, so I gave it up. But I am back, I bought a laptop couple years ago for my birthday and now she is going to get some purpose in her life.
Well I'm still loc'd still going strong and long. Divina is still doing my hair, I don't know if I ever said her name but my hairdresser is Divina and has been since I stopped going to Adornement, I love her so forever we will be entwined in my hair.

So what's new not much really, I'm still using the professional shampoos, I started colouring my hair last year from the dark brown it is to black. I got married ( hurray) so I wanted nice black hair just uniform in colour. No brown no red just black. Divina recommended Nice n Easy permanent hair dye which is so great, I use Natural Darkest Brown but that's not black I hear you cry, that's what I said but Divina said go with it, so I did. I can definitely say it works my hair goes black its amazing I love this dye. The only annoying thing is that they keep changing the packaging so I'm often in mini panic attacks in the shops when I go to buy it. Right now it is called Brown Black #3 I will add a picture so you can see it. I then shampoo with Osmos Colour Save shampoo and conditioner.

I use Osmo Deep Moisturiser Deep Repair Mask and then sit in the steam room at the gym for 10-15 minutes wash it again and my hair is great. I do not use the Osmo Detoxifying shampoo as that stuff as you know just removes everything your colour will not last. I use it in between colouring, once my colour has faded after a few months I use it a couple of times takes out all the crap if there is any and I use Wella Professionals Nutri-Enrich shampoo and conditioner. You might still see it called Wella Enrich either way its still in an orange bottle and its an awesome product I 100% recommend it. I still use minimal products just coconut oil every now and then and the oil spray by Profectiv but not that often.

My hair is a really nice length, I try to switch up my style but I mostly wear it up or all back with my Puff Cuff. Did I tell you about Puff Cuff? what? Joy come on.. well Puff Cuff is an amazing product and everyone can use regardless of your hair texture, so go check them out, they're an American brand so yes you need to pay for the delivery but its worth it. So I am going to post some pics that I could find of my hair journey. The good thing is now I can put my hair in pipe cleaners to create curls and I love them. I don't have them that often, its more for special occasions but they're so pretty even in the pipe cleaners they look good but just uncomfortable to sleep with and I keep them in for as long as possible like a week. I will get them done again soon maybe April and I will take some pics while Divina does, I can do them myself but I am lazy so I have only done it twice.

So I will be posting again not loads as I am starting yes another blog, I told you my laptop is earning her money ya tu sabes!!!!

The Omos Effect

Howdy all I know I've been very quiet on here but we've been growing fine. Things are great with our stylist Divina a.k.a Butterchoclocs she treats my hair like its her own and doesn't steer me in the wrong direction. So remember back in may I had my op and part of my hair was shaved well enough grew back for us to start adding extensions to blend in with the rest of the hair. Since it was behind my ear near my neck very easily achievable. So here we are

You can't even tell where it was shaved a couple locs bases needed to be interloc'd as they were so thin now more hair has grown so there is more hair plus extensions to continue the repair process so I'm pleased and much more confident. 

Any how today I had my hair done and I usually wash before she gets here but I worked last night so I slept till she arrived. I bought some new shampoo by Osmo Essence which I have been researching its a brand I would say is not a 'black hair' brand it's formulated for all hair types end of story. I bought it basically because I discovered it was deep moisturising however I stumbled across another product in the line that is a clarifying detoxifying shampoo. They state "A deep clarifying cleanser designed to effectively remove product build-up and impurities whilst retaining the hair's natural moisture.

Achieve superclean results with this unique formulation which combines Rosemary and Tea Tree Oil. Jojoba and Wheatgerm condition and soften"

Well I thought I need that too so got all 3 my goodness the detox shampoo is made from magic. Divina informed me it just removed everything from the hair it just worked right through. After 3 shampoos and conditioning I noticed a instant difference my hair was lighter all the ends previously hard I just though it was part if the loc'ing process. No way Jose it was just product build up all those other shampoos seems weren't cutting it Divina is a convert and reports will be buy some and start to use herself and clients. My hair feels and looks great brilliant stuff.

Will be recommending to everyone its great you can buy at Sally's Salon Services or Capital hair and beauty.

So we are almost 2 years in and all styled up ready for those Xmas parties in the coming days. So I'm back with clean long growing hair for 2015.

 

Retwist

So last weekend I managed to wash and retwist and as promised I have pictures not that brilliant but you get the gist.  

So this me prior to washing 

My first wash is with the head and shoulders itchy scalp shampoo feels lovely on the scalp. Then I do 2 washes with the coconut shampoo before the conditioner and then put on a plastic cap. Whilst waiting to deep condition I decided to give myself a facial. I cleansed then scrubbed and I decided to steam my face also. Just boiled the kettle added a few drops of tea tree oil and relaxed with the steam. After 5 minutes or so I didn't want to waste the heat so I rested my forward on the edge of the bowl and the heat just entered my hair and scalp all the way down my neck it was great. I stayed like this for some time till I lost the heat.

After all this steaming I rinsed out the conditioner and got down to retwisting

I like to do my hair early in the day but I didn't that day it was late in the afternoon and I was regretting that decision. I was so fed up of doing my hair by the end of it, just felt like forever but I did it and sat under the dryer.

I think I'm doing an ok job my edges have lots of fluffy parts not sure if they will ever grow long enough to be included. Plus a few at the front are thin from root to tip once dry look and feel better when wet I get a bit concerned. The next day I checked my hair and discovered I didn't retwist just 1 loc not too bad the first time i did i had about 4 not twisted so 1 is ok. Next time I will section my hair and do it properly. I'm using the coconut oil regularly and occasionally the smoothie from Adornment 365. Oddly enough I am going to Adornement tomorrow not for my hair but to be a wax model. It's been generously discounted and it saves me doing it myself should be great there will be no pictures. Ta ra for now

Coconutty

Hello all well I just remembered i never uploaded pics of my first wash as I never took any I totally forgot got so caught up in the moment like Nicole in Herbal Essences'I just did not think to take any. Well i have wadhed and retwisted twice since then and intend yo do the same again this weekend. I must say its dead easy time consuming but easy. Having started styling did a couple of flat twist here and there but took them out after a couple of days. I have bern wearing my hair all back in a pony tail only a couple of locs fall out I just tuck them in but on the whole everyone is noticing the growth in my hair. For the last week i started using pure virgin coconut oil its lovely stuff. I have read it can penetrate the hair shaft and aid growth repair and add strength to hair so far so good. I am using it everywhere and on everyone so I am hoping for good things. 

This is the brand i am using Lucy Bee its a british company I believe the coconuts are from the Phillipines and a fair trade product so 👍👍 from me. I also bought new shampoo haven't tried it yet. 

The smaller bottle is a conditioner I bought all 3 with Amazon's subscribe and save these were the only coconut stuff I liked in the scheme so lets see how they wash. My Creme of nauture stuff is all done my sisters happily used it off I also use head and shoulders for itchy scalp as a cleansing shampoo it works no itchy scalp. The Taliah Waajid loc gel is good ironically smells coconutty and it holds my twists and i stay loc'd up. All round i am having a great experience with my hair additionally I'm using Damians Loc n Curl after washing to help retwisting. I use it with the loc gel so i cannot make any claims i would have to subtract one from the other but i don't want to do that so i will celebrate they both are doing me good. As i said i am washing this weekend i will try to take pics before during after etc. 

1 year loc anniversary

Happy New Year!!!!!!! I guess some of you thought I had dropped off the radar but I'm here just been very busy. So as the titles suggests it is my 1 year anniversary of having locs and I am so pleased with myself for sticking it out. I won't lie I have never regretted getting loc'd in they say you do after so many months even years but I genuinely don't I have never felt more beautiful and empowered. So with all this feeling of empowerment I have decided to stop visiting or paying hairdressers and start doing my own hair. I have all the capabilities and a lot of knowledge and I want to enjoy my hair right now I am not fully enjoying my hair. They are always trapped in a style so it will be great to have them out and start styling myself. I'm looking forward to the start of me being "hands on" i need some locking gel and pins but I'm ready to go. I plan to do my hair next week and I will take pics of the event and post as it honestly will be an event. I have so many tiny locs I don't know how long it will take but lets do this.

New stylist

Hello all well when I blogged last I was in the process of looking for a loctitian and out of the 3 I contacted one texted and another called and texted so naturally I went with her and she is lovely. She visited just last weekend washed retwisted and styled and I am generally happy. She is quite knowledgeable about products caring for my locs etc and I have made it clear I am really wanting to care for my own hair eventually. She is supportive and is happy to educate me. I am doing my part keeping my scalp clean and moisturising too. My hair stays in the style till the next retwist and it stays neat and in style.

I love my locs as I feel my hair is always done previously I would be taking days off to get my hair done it was such an operation and it had to be done that day as i could not go the next day with my hair out. I am happy with locs i'm always styled can get my hair done drop of a hat no preparation needed its the best thing. No needing to wear scarves to hide an unruly afro no I'm loving this tidy life. 

New Hands

I had a retwist service last month and it dawned on me how expensive my salon is. Don't get me wrong I'm not a skin flint but still every little thing cost a lot. I called a salon near me and i made enquries of the services i get at my salon they were cheaper and if you add more treatments they are generously discounted or even free. So any way i contacted 3 mobile services today and not one had the manners to reply back how dreadful ideally i would like to start doing my own hair and will start but I really have high standards I don't think my expertise is quite there but it will. I need a bit more length to make handling easier but maybe thats my excuse for now. 

No need for pins

Hello all I went to the salon yesterday for a wash and retwist and I'm please to let you know I've got good growth. Yes I do last month when I went for a retwist the stylist put up my hair in a style and no pins were needed everything went in. This month asked for the same style but hair was a bit long for the style so its not even as there too much length on one side but scalp was too sensitive by then to re do. Never mind will chose something different next month. Still using their smoothie and elixir really great products. I'm having a conditioning treatment next month will see how that goes.

Adornement 365

I thought I dont give enough recognition to my salon and their fantastic stylists they are Adornment 365

 

Facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adornment365

Here is a great video off YouTube showing them in their element my stylists is Cornelia 

don't ask for her as I don't need her to become unavailable when i need an appointment

Just kidding their all excellent but Cornelia is my favourite but do not tell the others.

http://youtu.be/oUt7tbq94js

Out and proud

Ta da got my hair out no loc style as I had them interloc'd so they will stay neat I quite like it out. Really looking forward to washing it myself some self grooming is a must for locs can't rely on the hair dresser forever. Also going to palm roll the ends with Damian's loc n curl

No lie I waited 6 months for this I ordered end of December received beginning of July with some carrot oil hair sheen. Dear ol dear but hey I got it and will be using it in between salon visits. I will keep updated with the state if my locs hopefully they will look and feel this fab in a few weeks. I will be using Creme of Nature shampoo and conditioner and some Ghanian black soap called Alata Samina great great product if you can get some use it I bought a big tub for £3 do be careful where you buy it some people are selling it for silly prices. I bought mine near my home in a Ghanaian owner African produce shop. 

I have also improved my fruit and veg intake drastically we now juice 4/6 or more fruit and vegetables in a juicer.

My favourite is a green juice made of cucumbers Granny Smith apples kale leaves spinach lemon and grapes tastes terrific no lie.

We all love it the kids too my hair feels good skin has improved so its a combination of things. Any way guys have a great weekend weather looking nice. 😎

Still in the game guys

Had a retwist 3 days ago and as she has been saying for the last 2 months or so my stylist informs I got growth. I sure do my hair goes back into a pony easily no struggle my scalps in good nic too. Next month I will interlock all my locs I am having surgery the day after I will not be out the house for a while very likely to get quiet here but I will be blogging on my other page Ameloblastoma and me http://thecystcameback.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-cat-came-back.html?spref=tw.
Think of me when you whip your hair back and forth.

Improtu loc tidy

I had the opportunity to go to the salon today last minute as I needed to get my hair restyled for this weekend. The stylist kindly dry shampooed my scalp, restyled my hair and oiled my scalp I felt great. I bought some products too. One is called Moischa which a non greasy Shea butter formulated cream for hair and skin. I also bought the Elixr which is a oil non aerosol  spray both really good. So I'm refreshed for another couple weeks which I'm glad I wondered how I was ever gonna to wait that long. 

Got growth guys!

Been a while since I last blogged but good news I have got growth. I went for a retwist last week and the stylist informed me I have quite a bit of growth. I am so pleased I'm enjoying looking at them everyday I just cannot wait for some real length. Hey ho i just have to wait. Since my appointments are now monthly instead if 3 weekly plus I've stepped up my exercise regime my scalp is going crazy so I bought some Taliah Waajid moisture clenz for in between washes. I have to use it weekly and oil 2/3 times a week or I just start flaking like crazy. This is the only annoying matter. I've taken real good steps to make sure I'm daily drinking enough water I have an app sad but I really was not drinking enough especially at work when I'm rushing between clients hopefully this should help with the matter.  I thoroughly love the salon I am going to the staff are so so great all of them they know me and my sister personally like their do all their clients and the eye candy of customers is not bad. Anyhoo bye for now here is a pic from last week hopefully you can see some growth it's there I promise you.

  

Loc Grooming

So its been a couple of months and my locs are looking good my first retwist was with a dry maintenance. That terminology boggled me and my sister for weeks "dry maintenance what the heck is that". Well what they do is use a cleansing spray by Taliah Waajid spray on the scalp and rub with a cloth. Well that was ok i guess i would have preferred a hair wash but hey ho. Got my retwist and off i went for another 3 weeks of head scarf wearing. Last week i had my second retwist and got my hair wash thank goodness. I really needed it my skin was breaking out. Got my retwist and a loc style yes guys i have enough length to get my hair styled. By putting it in a style it encourages the hair to not unravel but loc quicker plus you look great and most importantly no more head scarves. It so liberating not to be tying my scarf everyday and i have had a lot of compliments. Well i will post some pics check me out and will update after a couple more retwist hopefully with even more length.

Head wraps

So today is my first day back at work and I'm not really ready to reveal my new style just yet. So we are going down the head wrapping path. On the day of my starter locs I bought 3 head scarves in the market different colours same style. I spent late last night looking at videos on YouTube on wearing wraps and how you can do it. I found some really good videos and were really useful. I had a go this morning and the result is attached. Still need some practice and will try other styles also. The link for the videos are below. Happy wrapping.

http://youtu.be/sspRAXGnmLw

http://youtu.be/sk4dgs93biE

My hair deserves locs

So I did it yesterday and I love them. Yes they cut my hair boy did they cut it it was more than I could deal with seeing but less than I thought they would cut I still have a generous length it's not that big chop length. So after the mini chop she washed it and boy did she anyone would think I've never washed my hair EVER. After the scalp annihilation she then trimmed more I was like enough already leave me with something. Then the coiling begun I was asked the size I wanted and I was hell bent from day 1 I wanted small locs there was a big discussion about the size of the base affects how long you can grow them etc etc but I stuck with small and she went to town God knows how many locs I have I will get someone to count them. I was very pleased with the end result as I truly believed I would have small popcorn stubs of hair but I don't.
Today I woke up feeling so free, liberated in the fact never will I abuse my hair with combing, chemicals, stupid products, heat and what not. Now my regime is to oil my hair and scalp couple times a week I can shampoo whenever I want once I bud. While I was having my hair done all the ladies in the salon were asking if it was just a style or starting locs then they all started reminiscing when they made the decision to loc everyone started welling up. Having dreadlocks is a sisterhood I never knew about and I am so glad I am a member honestly my hair deserves locs and I embrace this journey we will go on for as long as it lasts.

It's not that serious

So after crying to any one who would listen about my hair getting cut I turned to good old YouTube. I was looking for videos about washing starter locs and found a couple. Damian washes them from about 2 months which was encouraging I am still not keen on this dry shampoo nonsense but we'll hash that out when it comes to it. I then stumbled upon a video called "don't cry about your short dreadlocks" (it's as if she knew) the young lady herself had short dreads and said she turned her hate to indifference and was like its not a big deal its dead anyway it will grow and as I intend to she wore scarves and head wraps so I just felt its really not a big deal let them cut what they need to no one other than my kids and husband are gonna see them so let's do this. In the the words of DW "it is not that serious!".

My lovely hair

They wan' cut my hair!!!!

So today was the day i had my consultation at Adornement lovely salon so strange its in a department store plus its smaller than i imagined. They were very cordial saw to me on time offered me a drink i need it. The stylist gave me a questionnaire to fill out it asked things like my personal details even my religion i even looked r the place they would ask for my marital status it didn't but did ask about my exercise regime if i drank enough water etc etc. After that she unraveled my hair and had a feel due that damn texturizer some of my ends are straighter than the rest of my hair so they will need trimming. I'm so upset i love length so I accepted my fate and called my husband who i really thought would be horrified but was like if it needs doing cut it, it will look fine. I spoke to my comrade of a sister who reassured me that i should wrap it up as that was she planned to do. The only thing that concerned us was the lack of washing involved in the first few months i am horrified they will dry shampoo and retwist for God knows how long that information floored us both but we'll see.

Why locs?

I stopped relaxing my hair when I got pregnant in 2008 from then on I braided and weaved my hair for years I hardly ever had my own natural hair on display. My natural hair is thick long and a lot of it I am the bain of many hairdressers but what else can i do. In 2011 i dabbled with lace wigs which at the time i thought were brilliant an instant glamorous look with minimal effort and i rocked my several wigs for just over a year but just like every thing else before i just got bored. A lot of the challenges were trying to remain feminine and looking a certain way for my husband he liked the weaves braids and even the wigs but when i decided to stop all of those and style my own hair he did not like it all of the time on one occasion he told me i looked 'unkept' thats his opinion and he was entitled to it. I however loved the freedom of styling my own hair but soon got into a jam. My natural thick hair with a sensitive scalp the two just could not get along so i thought lets comb some texturizer in that yes its a chemical but it will make my hair manageable or so i thought. It did make it softer but after a couple months its as if the texturizer just 'washed' out. Sounds ridiculous but the effects of the chemical just never lasted. On one occasion the stylist who usually did my hair apologised profusely for it 'not working' the following day i just went to get my hair braided and the stylist then commented on the denseness of my hair and proceeded to blow dry the heck out of it to make it soft enough to braid. Don't get me wrong my hair is not a brilo pad its lovely the texture is nice but there is just so much of it plus i have a good size head what to do eh. Over the years i have always loved and hated dreadlocs some people just cherish their hair and it looks beautiful other good God what a state they leave it in. After a friend and colleague mentioned she wanted to do sister locs i thought let me look into locing my hair. I ruled out sister locs immediately it just did not appeal to me. Like always i turned to youtube for advice and information and quickly ran in to Damian Walter a loctitian from Houston. He is just amazing he's not just a stylist he's a real advocate for caring for your hair. He not only shows he's techniques on how to start and maintain locs but he educates on the importance of good shampooing. Good shampooing you ask yes a good shampoo and deep conditioning is the key to healthy hair check him out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9WDIfW4dXs.
So after much self educating i had a chat with my sister that i was thinking of locing and she too had the same thoughts so we decided to take the plunge together. We then looked and read reviews on hairdressers and loctitians in London there aren't that many online that we could find. Anyway after lot of positive reviews we are going to a salon in Brixton who pride themselves on caring for dreadlocks and natural hair they have a Facebook page and we have studied them for a while. We are booked in for next week and we cannot wait we both have to consultations prior to the bookings my sister will go this weekend i will go end of next week so will update our journey.