My.Natural.Hairstory.

I decided to go natural in October of 2006. My choice was made purely out of wanting to try something different and seeing if it would yield a different (and hopefully better) result. My relaxed hair had always been around shoulder length (sometimes slightly longer,but never at/past APL) and I never had any BIG problems out of it. I've always taken great care with my hair--I probably picked up that habit from the way my mother cared for it when I was a child. Though I had a relaxer, used heat, and other things that are not the best--it always looked fine--not perfect but not bad. Most of the time while relaxed I did have breakage in the front and around 2004 I start experiencing breakage in the middle of the back (the front breakage has changed, but the back is still a problem even with me being relaxer free--still figuring that out).

I transitioned for a year by slowly cutting my hair of every few months. By the end 2007 I was totally relaxer free. 2008 was spent somewhat experimenting (nothing too crazy, I can't say I was a total product junkie lol) but I also stuck to a few oldies but goodies I used on my relaxed hair such as Aphogee protein treatments. Through curlynikki.com I also discovered Henna, of which enjoy the whole process of mixing and applying (i'm a bit weird like that). It added thickness(I have thin strands)and of course color to my hair. By 2009 I stopped using Aphogee and went strictly to Henna because I read online that is was a protein treatment in it self. So I figured I didn't need the Aphogee protein any longer.... this is where I think I went wrong. From about mid-2009 to the beginning of 2010 I've experienced ridculous spilt ends/breakage setbacks so I've recently (2 months ago) cut off about 2 inches and started up my Aphogee Treatments again. What can I say, may hair must love protein?

Currently I love playing with Indian/Ayurvedic powders to cleanse my hair and aid in keeping it strong between Aphogee treatments (every 6 weeks). I finally found a deep conditioner that works well and is moisturizing for me (Aussie 3 minute miracle deep moisture). I've raved about my favorite oil on this blog already(coconut)--it really helps added sheen on my dry hair. This year also, I don't feel the need to wash my hair as often as I've done in the past (personal preference), so I cleanse & deep condition every 2 weeks. My current regimen is as follows:


Week 2
Cleanse with no-sulfate Ayurvedic shampoo bar
Deep condition,rinse
Leave-in conditoner
Seal with oil
Braid & air dry, or roller set

Week 4
Cleanse w/ no-sulfate Ayurvedic shampoo bar, OR make a mask with powders (w/Henna if I'm in the mood)
Deep condition, rinse
Leave-in conditioner
Seal with oil
Braid & air dry, or roller set

Week 6
Cleanse w/ non-sulfate Ayurvedic shampoo bar, OR Aphogee Shampoo if there is build up
Aphogee Protien treatment
Deep condition, rinse
Leave-in conditioner
Roller set

So on year 3 of being natural I think I'm finally getting to what works for me, and finding products that I love.I in no way am here to push products or say what I use/do to my hair is perfect. I will however do updates on my progress every once in a while. My hair goals as of right now are maintaining its health and hopefully the growth will be the benefit of that throughout this next year(My "dream" hair/inspiration). We shall see... :)

enjoy.your.journey.
Danyelle