Relaxer day!!

So, the day has finally come. It's relaxer day! In my last post I was undecided as to if I was going to relax on Friday, or just wait until Sunday. Well, I decided to just wait. It took me no time at all to take the twists out, and my hair was soft and shiny!

I also decided to try a different kind of relaxer. My long-time favorite has been Profectiv. It comes with all kinds of goodies, and has the touch-ups individually wrapped. Plus it smells delicious! The reason I wanted to try a new one is because I wanted a jar of relaxer, one I could use for a while. So after some research, I chose Silk Elements Shea Butter relaxer. And yes, I was nervous. Any experiment can lead to a set-back. However, everything worked out great!

Here's my routine:
-I comb out my hair, base my scalp, and pre-treat my already relaxed hair with a creme leave-in conditioner.

-I divide my hair into 4 sections and apply the relaxer in a circle starting from the back being very careful to only apply to the new growth, and I always save my edges for last.

-When smoothing, I do not spread the relaxer to the rest of my hair. I just slick it down. I also do not keep it on until its bone straight, but longer than a tex-lax.

-Then, I shampoo like 100x, lol.  At least thats what it feels like. But I never rush the shampoo.

-I put on a rinse out conditioner, massage, rinse, then deep conditioner.

-I apply my apple cider vinegar rinse, lt it sit for a few, then rinse and apply any leave-in products.

-I let it air dry until about 60% dry, then I spray on my heat protectant and blow-dry.

My hair came out great!! I absolutely loveeee this relaxer!! My hair responded so good to it. My new growth was so soft and silky. I can't wait til my next relaxer....although imma have to since its not for the next 3-4 months, lol.

I had my cousin and fantastic hairstylist Maxine give me a good long overdue trim, and now I'm good to go! I loves me some weave, but ugh! I loveeeeeeee my hair! I always miss her when she's gone, and I'm so glad she's back. :)

Until next time, toodles!

Styles n' Smiles

Hey all!! Sooooo, I mentioned a few times that when I'm rocking my own hair, I'm usually in a protective/low-manipulation style. I've been trying to expand my horizons and try different styles so I can wear my hair longer in-between weaves and braids. Soooo, here a few pics of some of my favorite styles.

 This one is my go-to style. It's a loose bun with a horseshoe portion left loose for free-styling. I've been experimenting with accessories to spice things up so I don't get bored so quickly.

 This was my attempt at rag curls! Anddd, I loved it! Me and twist-outs do not mix, lol. I always end up looking crazy. And bantu knot-outs make me look like somebody's grandma. These take some practice, but I got really good results.

 This is one of my newest go-to styles. My hair is very fine, so twists look too spaced out. So, I pin them up, and voila! Love it!

And this is a braid out pinned up. I love braid out because eve though I can't wear them down, it gives my relaxed locks lots of volume, and a pretty mock curl pattern.

I have tons more styles that I'll post over time. Sooo, what are your go-to protective/low-manipulation styles?