Hair talk: Back to Basics

Joining the world of natural hair has been one of my best decisions of late. I mean, I make great decisions all the time but this one has been especially interesting and endearing. Interesting because as a team, my hair and I have been through a few things; specifically, we've been through a few products and product lines. I thought I wanted to grow up to be a product tester but now that I've arrived (quotation mark fingers), I realize that I'd prefer to just have a good regimen. I'd prefer to have a good regimen that isn't based on which company is making the hottest products right now. I desire a regime that is not moved no matter my jealousy over the astoundingly, blingy results some other hair blogger has experienced; a blogger who more than likely doesn't even have hair like me. Speaking of hair like me, I still haven't figured out in which category my hair exists. But I'm thinking my hair is in the 4s and even with that bit of knowledge I have gained nothing new. So, I've tossed the hair-typing theory into the garbage and the associated products in a bin under my bed where it's dark and far from my turncoat, shiny-ball syndrome eyes. I have to maintain my resolve somehow. Don't judge me.

While I've tried many products, there are some that I have enjoyed thoroughly but none so special that I added them to my list of Holy Grail (HG) products. I can't even commit to an HG list. But I feel compelled to have this discussion because many of my local natural hair peers are interested in the products I use and my hair growth. We trade product ideas on a regular basis and I am hesitant to be an enabler. We have lots of other, far more important things to do with our money. So when asked about products, I always begin by saying the following:

1. You have to find what is best for you. I hope they listen.
2. Read labels- try to determine what your hair likes/hates
3. Learn about porosity - my hair is low porosity and that lone fact has helped me choose products
4. I will share some of my products (although I will have to avoid looking into the light should I go into the bin under my bed).
5. My hair grows best with low manipulation/heat

Finding what's best for YOUR hair is kind of a big deal and where I will dwell for this post. Some naturals suggest that you find a "hair twin and find out what they are using. But even that didn't always work for me since you're getting back into typing. My strands are all different. Some strands are medium, the back is pretty fine, curly while the middle is pretty coarse. Based on that alone, I would be using about 3-4 different products to accommodate them all.

When deciding on a product I look for ingredients. As I primarily eat healthy foods, I definitely try to be mindful of the products I use on my hair and skin. I didn't do this when I was relaxed but I wish I had. There are definitely ingredients that my hair hates altogether and some my hair can only appreciate in small doses (aloe vera juice/gel). There was a reason my hair rejected ingredients such as grease/mineral oil-based products and yet I kept trying them. Somehow, I determined that the more money I invested in a product, the better chances that it would work for my hair. FALSE! There is nothing worse than wasting money on a $20 jar of grease that you can't return to your stylist or store! These things really matter and I regret never thinking to do this in my total hair past. Today, I abscribe to the concept of avoiding silicones, sulfates and especially alcohol in products as they are really drying. This works for me. There are 4-5 types of product I use on my hair. I use a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, oils and a styler. My next post will discuss some of the products I use and what I've learned about porosity but until then, here's a peek at a couple of my favorites:

On the 10th day of DETOX, my body gave to me...

Fi-ive pounds off me!
After a tough ten days of detoxing, (with a few minor cheats) I managed to lose 5lbs. I extended the detox by one day because of the cheating. I also worked out a bit more than I had previously, varying my exercise routines along the way. I taught Zumba 5 times, participated in Zumba as a student, lifted weights, ran and used the elliptical. I've learned that I need to keep my body guessing to get the desired results. I also maintained my water intake, drinking 75 ounces nearly every day. Water matters. If you are not already doing this, I suggest you get on it. Beyond that, I worked to stop eating by a certain time at night and did my best to control cravings. I was quite pleased to see that I was down 5 pounds at the end of the cycle. But wondered about the results if I hadn't indulged in the couple of chocolates I snuck in. Hence, the extra day.

So, what's next? Well... I decided to continue the meat elimination for an additional day. However I'm considering having meat every other day until I reach my initial loss goal of 15 pounds. I will begin eating fish tomorrow but I've been craving a steak so that is on the horizon. In any case, I'm moving into the next phase of FatSmash which lasts 3 weeks and includes the addition of lean meats, sugar free cereal and COFFEE!! Boy those first few days without even one cup of coffee were tough. I only drink coffee 1-2 times a week to perk me up in the mornings or before a Zumba class. However, because I knew I couldn't have it, I had to talk myself out of the Starbucks drive-thru several times! It feels like an accomplishment to say I can let caffeine go whenever I decide. I want to feel that way about all foods and any other vices I may have. Well, except music- it is the one vice that can potentially decrease body mass if used properly. As I sit here banishing the thought of a glass of calorie-laden moscato, I am finally getting it into my head that every decision is just that a decision. And I have decided that I will instead drink this very healthy, fruit smoothie in a celebratory glass and commence to dancing. Cheers to that!