Hello everyone!
I'm a total newbie and joined today because of this challenge (I've been lurking for the last year though). This board is an inspiration and wealth of information. Thank you all!
I've been wearing weaves for the last two years since I decided to transition from the relaxer and go back to being natural. Quick hair story: I was natural and wore my hair mainly in braid-outs for almost 5 years (1999 - 2004) then I had one bad hair day and slapped in a texturizer. Bad move -- my hair fell out in clumps, so sad! I then relaxed for years until mid-2008 when I decided to transition (using mainly weaves). Now my challenge is to keep it moisturized and healthy underneath the weave and to learn how to care for it when I wear it out. I've attached pics of my 100% natural hair that was pressed. The ponytail pic is a week later after my hair started to revert in the very humid, NYC weather. The back of my hair is pretty thick and has grown past my shoulders; the front has suffered heat damage because I left alot of it out for my previous installs (the constant flat-ironing to blend took a toll). I want to nurture the front of my hair and eventually trim off the damaged ends.
1. I installed a straight, BSS janet yaki weave a week and a half ago. I usually use Extensions Plus relaxed texture (which is a perfect match for my hair!) but couldn't afford it this time. I'm not loving this hair especially since I have to flat iron the 3 inch section I left out
. Will post install pics a little later.
Are you weaving it up for 6 or 12 months?
12 months
Regimen:
Moisturize every day or every other day
Wash with diluted shampoo/conditioner every two or three weeks. (may just wash the hair that is left out of the weave --- hairline and about 3 inches on the side that was left out to blend)
Deep condition once a month.
Products you are using for your own hair and for your weave:
Hair under weave:
ORS Anti-Itch Scalp Oil. (I think this contributed to a good spurt of growth during my last install.) Alternate with a glycerin/water mix.
Wash with Motions Lavish conditioning shampoo and condition with Pantene smoothing conditioner.
Leave out hair:
Wash with Motions Lavish conditioning shampoo and condition with Pantene smoothing conditioner.
Will deep condition with Elasta QP DPR-11 next wash.
S-curl activator
Motions nourish leave in conditioner
Seal with castor oil
Aveda brilliant emollient finishing gloss
End of challenge goal:
BSL (by June 2011)