Hair days

25/08/17

I've had a love-hate relationship with my hair most of my life but really it's just because I didn't know much about taking care of it, and I wasn't one to do much research for it either. On the other hand, my sister was dedicated to her own hair and the results of her care were evident. This first picture was taken before my eyes were opened by Design Essentials coconut and monoi deep moisture milk soufflé and in the short time I have used it I have begun to swear by it and as you can see: my hair wuz thirstay & now it ain't i.e. there was much, much less frizzing and my hair wasn't feeling dry and brittle.

Feeling my hair actually moisturized & retaining its moisture was a new experience, and there really is no going back to the mad breakage and impossible detangling from here. I am learning of the capacity of my hair, and I was starting to feel inspired to try new things + I had recently acquired a bunch of headscarves that I was excited to use.

I matched Fulani braids with a bun for my sister's birthday dinner. When I got home I just had to have my photo shoot after completing the look with my headscarves.

And today my sister blessed me with some more nuggets that I never would have come across on my own because I have already established that I do not do research, I did the Maximum Hydration Method (though I skipped the clay rinse which is for definition, clumping and frizz reduction) and my hair certainly feels maximally hydrated. The first step of this treatment is the Cherry Lola caramel treatment that opens up the hair cuticles and promotes moisture absorption. The mixture smells sweet and it clarified my scalp after having it on for half an hour. I skipped the clay and went straight to deep conditioning my hair for another half hour. Finally, the last part of the treatment was a simple wash & go where I seal in the hair soufflé with maaad amounts of gel (both Design Essentials curl defining gelée and Eco olive oil styling gel). I like the treatment, though I might have done it a little late in the day because my hair was still dripping by 10 pm, below is the pre blow-dryer result. I like it.

As a first timer, this process took a long time, but my sister said that with time I'd get faster at doing it. What's sad is that the UK is not really 'wash and go' weather. But I've learned a lot in just a few days and definitely definitely definitely will be paying more attention to what my hair needs in terms of moisture. And I'm much more encouraged to try different styles as opposed to just the bun when my hair is out, so thanks, sis. x 

P.S.: Design Essentials Natural is now my official replacement for Shea Moisture.

*Update*

It got late and my hair was still wet so I had to use a blow dryer. Thankfully the shape nor the definition was lost - it has inevitably shrunk but I've come to embrace shrinkage & overall I'm feeling the look. What can't be seen in the image though, are the small bits of the gelée that have dried visibly on my hair because it doesn't combine well with the soufflé. But it's a trial and error process and I have faith in this style when I feel like finding my curls & making them pop!