Curls and Prints

 I do believe the last time I wrote a blog post about hair was some time ago so it's about time we catch up!

Since my last post, my fully blonde head has turned into brown roots and blonde ends.

Early 2014 was the last time any harsh chemical was put in my hair.

Since then it's been nothing but deep conditioning/hair masks and learning the lay of the land (or hair. Whichever you prefer...)

Falling in love with yourself doesn't make you vain or selfish. It makes you indestructible.

Living in the Caribbean means heat galore, which means a lot more moisturizer is needed.

During the past year I've tried several products until L'Oreal came out with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner earlier this year.

I jumped on it as soon as it hit the shelves and I've been reaping results ever since.

It made all the difference.

My hair feels lighter and is easier to manage.

I've also incorporated another product by L'Oreal called EverSleek.

It's a humidity defying leave-in cream that works wonders on my hair.

It keeps my curls defined, (they tend to be crunchy at first) and then once the day goes on my curls become a lot more loose and flow effortlessly. 

The newest product that I've added to my regimen is an oil treatment.

MATRIX Oil Wonders' Indian Amla is a strengthening oil which can be used before, during and/or after shampoo and conditioner has been applied.

I use this product to target my ends which tend to lose moisture faster than the roots and shaft.

Don't let anyone determine who you are.

Unfortunately, I'm still on the hunt for a good shine spray. I gave TRESemmé's Smooth & Silky Shine Spray a trial period but found it left a sticky residue on my hair.

No bueno.

I'm currently toying with the idea of getting my hair cut to the shortest set of layers I have, just to see what happens.

I find the top section of my hair is more defined while the bottom still looks straight.

She was the word you wished you could have said.

Whenever I sit and think about where my hair and I would be had I entertained the choir of opinions on what should be done with it, I have a laugh to myself.

The previous length had me feeling like I was drowning. The straightened hair felt lifeless. The dark hair had people questioning my health.

Change was necessary.

Of those who felt entitled enough to try to inform me of what hairstyle should be my next choice, a few said curly hair (my natural texture btw) wouldn't suit me after going away from it for so long.

Feel free to chime in and admit you were wrong any time. 

There are so many types of art but you are my favourite

Hair Journey #1

Why did you start taking better care of your hair?

My hair has always gone from one extreme to the other: extremely oily to extremely dry. I'll be honest, during 2012-2013 I really neglected my hair. It was in a horrible state, split ends galore! I was constantly putting chemicals in my hair and that really wasn't helping either. (Talk about adding fuel to the fire.) At the beginning of this year however, I came across Aisha Thalia on Instagram and she really inspired me to take a serious interest in my hair. I'll admit the thought of cutting my hair didn't seem like an exciting path to take because the shorter the hair the more time you need to invest in keeping it healthy. However the more I thought about it, the more I realized I wanted my hair to look its best. I wanted my curls to come back and look more defined. So I took the jump.

Do you have any hair challenges?

My main hair challenge is the difference in thickness and the fact that my hair has three different hair textures: the roots are kinky, the middle section is wavy while the ends are straight-ish. Also, I struggle to find cute styles that are quick and easy to do.

At this point, what is more important: Health or Length?

At this point of my hair journey I'm focused on health. 

It's all about falling in love with yourself.

What are your two favourite products?

I'm really loving Curls Unleashed moisturizing conditioner and TRESemmé's smooth & silky Shine Spray.

What is your favourite part of your hair regimen?

Co-Washing 

What is the most annoying part of your hair regimen?

Detangling 

Learn to embrace the messy stages of curly hair

If you could change one thing about your curls, what would it be?

I'd love for them to be more defined/tighter and less frizzy.

When was the last time you visited the salon?

August, 2014

How do you style your hair on a regular day?

If it's during the week and I'm at work, it's usually in a banana clip, any other time my hair is usually out.

Rules are made to be broken, not every hair tip will work for you

Do you have a hair crush? If so, who?

Aisha Thalia and Stacey Hash

What advice would you give to someone now starting their hair journey?

Keep it simple, don't expect miracles during the first 6-12 months. Be very patient and loving because with health comes length.

"that's why her hair is so big because it's full of secrets."

 Any tips or tricks for managing curly hair are much appreciated. I'd like to gradually move towards using organic treatments instead of products that may strip the natural keratin from my hair. Thanks for reading, stay tuned.