Famous Last Words...

"...If it needs to be, go ahead and cut it." Famous last words of one woman's effort to grow out her hair. After a solid year and a half; with a few intermittent hair trimmings and long-term maintenance styles, it was time. It was time to let go of the quest to prove to myself that my hair can grow. That has been proven. I was able to achieve shoulder-length hair. My hair growth quest cannot forfeit the need to maintain a healthy head of hair, however. I have not been as diligent about seeing my professional hair-care provider. Frankly, it showed. I could also feel the damage of neglect. My new mission is getting rid of dead weight: physical, emotional and personal. I am recommitting myself to letting go of all things and people that no longer want me to hold on. Release. My hair included. Those ends were dead -- very dead. Denial had set in, and this was yet another area that I've had to come to terms with an ugly and inconvenient reality. The truth is, holding on to what isn't healthy only reaps perpetual damage; eventually extending to the root. It's best to just face the facts, accept the consequential, and cut unneeded ties. Remember to cut at the healthiest point, and even better if you get an edgy/cute outcome/desired finish. You've likely guessed, this entry is more than just about hair. And since I aspire to become the premier go-to for all things image, I have to start with me. I.MUST.BE the brand. I will continue praying, evaluating (and reevaluating) until I am where I believe I should be. So, here we go...

It's ALL GOOD - I Couldn't Agree More!

Just sharing a web video of one gentleman's take on "Good Hair." By now, most of us have heard the term - widely used in the African American community - to differentiate hair types. The problem with the term is that it suggests that there is something inherently "wrong" with hair types that don't fall into the "Good Hair" category. In case you don't already know, or are still breaking the mind-set: the BEST hair is the healthy kind that grows out of your scalp, sheds naturally and regrows. No matter how you accessorize or treat your hair, make sure it's always protected and restored to the healthiest state possible (nothing against my natural hair journeyers). He puts it best in the last few seconds of the video, by encouraging us all to take care of our GOOD HAIR - it's ALL GOOD and I couldn't agree more!

Take a look:

 

Protective Maintenance

It's a tough job, but someone has got to do it...my previous blog (entered nearly a month ago) declared the stance I was taking against what I had been advised by some - NOT to braid my hair. Though all the reasons varied, they were thoroughly considered. As some of you may have guessed, I went ahead and braided my hair. With temperature indexes reaching +120 degrees here in DC, I was especially thankful for my braided hair. The DC humidity would have shrunken the "S-T-R-E-T-C-H" I touted earlier (that would not have been pretty). I've also been very busy (on the makeup front) working weddings and other special events, so it's been a help not to have to worry too much about my hair. I have been worrying about the hair of my clients --I have been spreading the protective love. Yep! Weaves and braids. When styling hair, I like to share some of my regimen (for protective maintenance) with clients. So, it's only fair that I share the same information with my readers...

S-T-R-E-T-C-H...The Plot Thickens!!

OohWee! I don't know how much longer I can stretch my next relaxer. My last texlax application was June 1st, and I think my hair is starting to get used to my most recent regimen - a good problem, I guess. It's really starting to grow in thicker than usual. I'm trying to push my next texlax application to August 30th (which would be 90 days)...but I don't know. I am scheduled for a deep conditioning tonight. I'll be using Shu Uemura's Muroto Volume, which works to add volume to the hair.

What to Do?!

Poised at a cross roads with my hair, and not sure what to do with it...I'm referring to protective styling. Protective styles are especially ideal for summer months. It will also be a great option for me since I've taken on a Healthy Hair-growth Challenge. This way I can continue my regimen without having to trouble with my hair for a long period of time. I would go with a weave, but that would be too hot. I am leaning towards a braided style. Yeah, maybe that's what I'll do...

"Tex"laxing Hair?

I am getting such an education about haircare techniques women are using to protect their hair from long-term damage. If you're familiar with hair relaxers, then you've probably already guessed what texlaxing is. Relaxing your hair, but not long enough for it to "take" or be bone straight. I was leery about the concept, initially, but I've been trying it and I think I prefer it. My hair doesn't look as thin as it used to and it still has the flow and bounce that I like after washing and conditioning it. The only draw-back is
what the "tex" of my texlaxed hair does in the hot humid weather...