Relax Update #2

Hello My Dears,
 I relaxed my hair according to my regular regimen today after being 3 months post relaxer. I was hoping to be able to stretch until December but the growth was enormous and the two  textures within my hair were battling against one another, so I had to relax or risk  breakage. After instituting different brand of castor and coconut oil about three weeks ago, my hair literally started sprouting out of head like weeds. I don;t know which of the two are causing this or maybe it was the combination of  both along with the carrot oil, but my hair growth rate has significantly increased. I'll continue to use the mix and see for myself if this change is what is causing the growth. I really am grateful to the bendy rolling. Styling my hair that way allows for low manipulation which has helped me to retain a lot of growth because I'm not messing with my hair all the time. I really think that I've found the lingua to my hair now. In any case I made sure to take pictures to document my growth an over all improvement.

 

In all I am extremely pleased with the progress I'm making. My highest goal is to reach arm pit length by March, god willing.

Until Next Time,
Zayna

Update!

Hello My Dears,
I know it has been a while since I last posted. College, work, and extracurriculars have really been taking up a great amount of time. My hair has actually been doing pretty well. I did however have a freak out the other day because my hair was shedding an excessive amount. My mom chalked that up to me being stressed out. In any case I started to drink a lot of water and have decided to cut out as much heavy starches and junk food as possible. I want to do a Master Cleanse again, just for detoxification purposes, but I'm not sure when would be a good time. Until I figure that out though I'm just going to focus on having a healthier diet. That Biotin that I was taking was extremely strong and so I had to split the table in half. I haven't been taking them lately though, so I need to get back to it. I have recently purchased Elasta Qp Olive&Mango Butter Moisturizer. I will be giving a review as I get a feel for it. I've also added Carrot oil to my oil mix as the weather changes into colder and dryer air, my hair tends to be even dryer than normal.

This is how I've been styling my hair with the back and the sides pinned up as to avoid my hair rubbing on my shoulders or getting snagged on clothing. I've noticed a definet change in the luster and fullness of my hair. I'm not sure what to attribute it too but I'm incredibly pleased with it.  I will be doing a legnth check too as I'm almost two months post.

U.N.T,
Zayna

Bendy Rollers Are The Bomb!

Hello Loves,
 I have been scavengering for easy hair styles that are still cute and age appropro. I have known about bendy rods for some time and have seen then used on Youtube very often. For some reason though I just was never moved to come out of pocket and purchase some of my own. That may have been because I felt the prices in my local beauty supply store was far too inflated. In any case my beloved friend Joia has recently done a big chop and for all intents and purposes currently has no need for her large collection of bendy rods. She has lovingly, though temporarily, relieved then to me and man am I in love! Talk about cute yet easy styles?! I washed may hair two days yesterday and put the rods in over night. These were my results along with the kind of rod I used.

 

I am absolutely in love. I will be trying other styles with the much smaller rods and larger ones as well. Oh the excitement!

Until Next Time,
Zayna

Back to School Styles

Hello my dears,

I am currently a freshmen in college, meaning I have no time to to spend on "doing" my hair so I figure I'm come to you guys with two epically easy and protective styles that everyone can rock. Each style can last you for up to 5 days (very low maintenance).

 

 

The first style view with me in the blue shirt is just a simple feux bun achieved by using synthetic hair (Kenekalon X-Pression) I simply slicked my hair back in a pony and wrapped the synthetic hair around it. The next bun is the same sythetic hair I simply did a braid of my hair on both sides and then applied the feux bun. Both styles take all of 10 minuets at the most. Hope you guys enjoy!

Until Next Time,
Zayna

Official Routine

Hello Dears,

I know I have promising an update hair routine. However I wanted to wait until had finally perfected it to my liking. I can honestly say that now I have!

Wash Day/ Pre-Wash Day:
Pre-Poo (GHE) with warmed Shea butter and coconut oil overnight
Shampoo hair with Suave Almond+Shea Butter
Shampoo hair with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo (focus on the new growth/ scalp)
Black Tea Rinse
Apply Suave Almond+Shea Butter Condition w/ added Almond and Coconut oil. Deep condition for 30-45 min.
Air Dry
Moisturize with ORS Hair Repair and seal with Castor Oil.

This is my basic hair regimen that I will stick with through out the first 8 weeks after my relaxer. Once my new growth starts to set in My GHE will become a nightly routine using only coconut oil. Also I use two shampoo's for the reason that one cleanses my scalp of any build up while the other sulfate free shampoo replaces any stripped nutrient or moisture caused by the first. Once I pass the 8 week post mark I will most like only use the Shea Moisture as my natural hair is prone to dryness.

As of right now I moisturize and seal my ends daily with the ORS Hair repair and my oil mixture. This is what get's me the best results so far. Let me know if you all have any success.

Until Next Time,
Zayna

Pre-Pooing & Vitamins

Hello My Dears,
Tomorrow is wash day and so I'm prepooing tonight with a hot oil treatment. My mixture includes: tea tree oil, jojoba, coconut oil, Shea butter oil, almond oil, eucalyptus, and castor oil. I know that's alot but I plan on using a sulfate shampoo tomorrow which in itself can be very stripping so I thought I pack on the nutrients in with a nourishing hot oil treatment. I warmed the oil up before I applied it to my scalp and am planning to leave it on there to do the GHE method over night. This is a technique that I want to get into the habit of doing more often as it is proven to increase growth rate.
Also I've changed the amount and brand of biotin that I take. I now take Natural Biotin 10,000 mcg. The 5mg I was previously taking was apparently doing nothing for me (according to the Vitamin Shop guy) . So I have upped the anti so to speak and will now be taking this supplement. I will see how I like it.

I was going through some old pics and I came across some disturbing ones from about February of this year. It's amazing to see how much better I've been doing. To place the two pictures side by side you can really see the difference. It's hard to find a pic of my hair from back then where I wasn't wearing clip ins. Even in this one (to the right) I am, but you can still see how thin and peacey it is. The picture to the left is from this past week. I've grown out all the over processed ends. Hard work is paying off. 

 

What I was Really Dealing With

Hello My Dears,

I think it's important that I address the fact that for a great period of time I had not been doing so well. Stress, depression, and over all anxiety had taken a toll. I had begun wearing clip ins to mimic my natural hair. Many people didn't know and assumed it was mine. So much of my hair had broken off and shedded that if I wore it without the clip ins people would have been concerned. All the awkward uncomfortable questions would have been enough to kill what was left of my self esteem at that point. Not even my closest friends really knew (sorry guys). That's why this blog is such a big deal for me. Going to college and just growing up in general opens a new pathway and chapter for me. Taking proper care of hair is really just a stepping stone into taking proper care of myself inside and out, because now I truly believe that I'm worth it. Many people may think that it's silly or too much investment to think about hair, but it's not just about that. It's about building myself up and making myself feel beautiful as I am. While I love weaves, braids, and extensions of all kinds, I want to know that when I take all that out and I have my own. It may be weird to some people and yes they might not understand, but honestly they don't have to, that's not what Olive&Castor is about. It's just me helping other like me to attain our goals, to reach our ideals of satisfaction and to feel our own sense of beauty and contentment.

This was back in March of 2013 I had split ends like crazy. In this pic I pined them out of the way a little, but this was my true length. My hair was thin, breaking, brittle, and had three textures. 

Now it's full all by itself. Its now comfortably shoulder length. It's all one length, and it's beautiful. I know if I keep up my regimen that it will only get better.  

Relaxed Update #1

Hello my loves!
Today I finally got the relaxer I have been needing in my life. I used the Organic Root Stimulator system which always works well on my hair in extra-strength. I experienced no burning at all (which was due to me applying Tea Tree Oil prior). I was sure to wash the cream out of my hair fully with just cool water before applying the neutralizing shampoo. I then did a black tea rinse using Lipton Chai Tea to prevent any possible shedding. The effects of the Tea where instantaneous, my hair immediately felt stronger. I then applied the Replenishing conditioner that I mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil, 6 drops of eucalyptus, and a tea spoon of almond oil. The results where the best i had ever had in my life from a relaxer. I forced myself to trim my frayed ends, taking away a bit of length, but it was necessary.

This is a close up look at my trimmed ends. My hair is set at Clavicle length. Check the fullness though. Everything is nice and full and healthy. 

I trimmed my hair mercilessly because I am confident that if I continue to apply what I've been doing to this very healthy, thick environment that I'm now working with my goal of armpit length will be just around the bend.

Until Next Time,

Zayna

Moisturize&Seal

Hello There,
I know it's been a minute since I last posted. I've been a little busy. However I'm back now with positive updates. My hair has stopped it's excessive shedding and breakage. I did and intense protein treatment with two eggs and almond oil. I followed that with a strong cleansing shampoo. I figured that my scalp may have had a lot of build up and bam my hair got it together. I'm coming up on 16 weeks post and I need a serious relaxer. It's been fun but now I need to get silky smooth.
Anywho today's post is about moisturizing and sealing which are an important aspect of retaining length . I finally mastered the concept myself. I use raw Shea butter and almond/ coconut oil. Sometimes I can get away with just Shea butter on damp hair. Shea Butter acts as an emollient which locks in moisture on the hair. Now that I got that down and packed my hair has been singing me praises. Peep my twist out.

Until Next Time,

Zayna

Argan & Moisture

Hello!
I have been doing much better in regards to my diet and nutrition but I'm still working on drinking more water daily. I have recently fallen in love with the Shea Moisture Line of organic, all natural, hair loving products. So naturally I had to go out and grab their shampoo. I also decided I needed a leave in conditioner that would help soften my new growth.


As you can see me new growth is coming onto 2 inches. My natural hair texture seems to be a 4b/4c. After doing some research I found that Creme of Natures Moroccan Argan Oil Strength & Shine Leave in Conditioner worked best for my hair texture in softening it. This product does have protein. However since I have two textures it works well to strengthen the line of demarcation between my relaxed hair and my new growth as the hair is often very fragile in that area and is prone to breakage.  I also picked up Shea Moistures' Moisture Retention Shampoo which I have not tried yet but I have heard great things.

 I have also added sweet almond oils into my daily oiling regimen. I mix it with castor oil and a tablespoon of coconut oil in an applicator bottle as seen. It has worked wonderfully to nourish my scalp and new growth and doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy or heavy. Progress is being made ladies. I am very excited about this!

Until Next Time,
Zayna

You, Yourself, & You!

Hello my dears,
   It's been exactly a week since last I posted. That's mostly due to an extremely busy schedule but I have a the day off so here goes. You see a lot of how our body works depends on us and how we take care of it. That includes how much sleep we get, how much water we drink, and our nutrient intake. All of these factors and more affect our body chemistry. This past week has been none stop and sticking to my regimen properly has been difficult, I have manipulated my hair more than I would have liked, I haven't had the best diet  (i.e McDonald's) , and I haven't been consistent with my vitamins.
    In a hair journey a proper diet and over all health is a basis for having healthy hair growth otherwise whatever you may do to your hair, whatever products you buy or oils you apply, it will not grow. Therefor ladies be sure to create a diet for yourself that consist of a health balance of your needed nutrients; emphasizing greens, fruits, and water. If you choose to take vitamins be sure to take them regularly. Also if you are finding that you are very busy be sure to get adequate sleep and take time out of your day, even if it's only 5 minutes to chill out because stress leads to excessive hair shedding which will set you back.
    In conclusion you have the power over how successful this journey will be. We will take it together and that is what makes it all the more amazing. If you have a set back, that's okay. Learn from your mistakes, I know I have. I will do my best to establish a stable diet and update you guys. My daily water intake goal is 1 gallon. Also I have added Sweet Almond Oil to my routine. I will be sure to update you.

Until Next Time,
Zayna

Olive&Castor

It goes without saying that the title of today's post seems a bit familiar. It is in fact the name of my blog. Olive&Castor seems like a strange name for a blog about hair,but it in fact makes absolute sense. In hair care there are certain things that are virtually essential to aiding in growth. One of those things is oil. The application of natural oils has been to aid in increasing hair growth and improving overall health. That is why I choose to name my blog after two of the most relevant oils to hair care: olive and castor oil. These two oils play significant rolls in the health of hair.
Olive Oil
As seen on md-health:

• One of the most shocking benefits of olive oil is that it can prevent and even cure hair loss. When people lose hair, it is due to a hormone responsible for the shrinkage of the hair follicle shaft. However, the production of that hormone, called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), is hampered when olive oil is applied to the scalp.

• Olive oil also has antibacterial properties and anti fungal properties that fight off common scalp and hair problems. Head lice and dandruff are two examples of conditions that can be either prevented or hampered by the application of olive oil to the scalp.

Castor Oil 
Castor oil is a emollient, meaning that it's primary job is to keep moisture locked into your hair shaft by coating the strand. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is the purest and most potent form of castor oil that one can find. It retains all if not most of it's  natural minerals and nutrients. Castor oil has a very thick consistency resembling  that of molasses  An buffer oil is needed in order for you to prevent your hair from becoming weighed down or acquiring a stringy look and feel. Oils such as lavender, almond, or shea butter work well as buffers. Castor is one of the only oils that has has been proven on multiple hair types to grow hair. Using this oil will give results particularly if used along side a good hair regimen. 

Staple Products

Hello Lovelies!
     Last night I finally got around to initiating a routine of sorts. I decided that I would try co- washing my hair. I used Suave Humectant Moisture after doing much research on what conditioners worked well with relaxed hair. The reviews on this product were, for the most part, phenomenal. Ladies of all hair types agreed that it definitely did it's job, moisturize. The product cost all of $3 at my local Walmart. I detangled my twist out section by section and experienced quiet a bit of breakage.
      I applied the Humectant to the shaft of my hair after detangeling each section. My relaxed hair actually curled up in reaction, it was a sight to see. I proceeded to co-wash with cool water as that better locks in moisture than using hot water. I then added my deep conditioning treatment:  6 drops of eucalyptus oil for the shedding and scalp therapy, 2 Tbs Coconut oil (Protien), 1 tsp Jojoba oil (moisture), 1/2 cups of Suave Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner. I then applied the mixture from root to tip of my hair. I them applied a plastic cap.
     The mixture had my scalp tingling. At first I was a little worried because it was a kind of mentholated burn going on. The steam from my shower was intensifying the feeling. It wasn't painful at all, just a bit intense. When I stepped out of the shower the movement made my scalp further tingle. After 10 minuets  I thoroughly rinsed the mixture from my hair with cool water. My scalp felt incredible and my hair smelled amazing. I moisturized with coconut oil and Shea butter. I also placed a dime sized amount of the Humectant in  my hair as a leave in conditioner. The next day my hair felt so soft and happy. My new growth is almost none existent my hair is so moisturized. My hair was still partially damp so I applied so Edge Control to my edges and tied a scarf around my head to set them then  I put my hair up in a bun as a protective style.

                       

Until Next Time,

Zayna

Awake!

Good Morning,
So I went out on a little early morning business today and rediscovered the glories of Tea. I went up to the local Starbucks to get my fix for the day, but a friend suggested that I instead try the Tazo Tea's. Now, I hadn't had them in a long time so I forgot what they tasted like, but I figured why not. I choose the Awake tea being as that's exactly the state I needed to be in. She instructed that I not let the bag brew too long or else the tea would become bitter. After about a minuet and a half I removed the tea bag that was rather large a filled with the herbs. I sweetened with Raw Brown Sugar and wow, the taste was amazing. Most importantly I actually felt awake!

These black teas have serious health benefits for your hair. Black tea rinses are an immediate source of relief from excessive shedding. Shedding is cause by an excessive build up of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that shrinks the follicles and make the hair follicle an uninhabitable waist land for your hair. The high concentration of caffeine in black teas counteract the DHT build up, therefor restoring the pH of your follicles and dramatically reducing hair shedding. This allows you to retain your length, volume, and overall health of your hair. A detailed routine including a black tea rinse may be found in a future post.

Until then Lovelies,
Zayna

Why Hello There!

It has become apparent to me that life, particularly mine, is beginning. After graduating High School some five weeks now I've had one epiphany after another; my most recent one, "I should start a blog!" It's always been a thought edging in the back of my mind, but I've just never had the time to do it. Now that I have begun my hair journey I feel it's a good aid in watching my progress as well as a boot to keep me on pace. This blog will be centered on hair care and my health routine related to stimulating my hair growth, but hopefully this will become more of a life style blog with various aspects to it.

My current hair length is at my shoulder:

                
As of July 1, 2013 this is where I stand. My goal is bra-strap length by December.The picture above is shown with me wearing a clip-in. I currently wear my hair in a twist out (pictured to the right) as a way to minimize manipulation and as a protective style overall. I still need a fixed routine. Once I figure one out that works and incorporates the essentials I will be sure to update.

Until then loves ,
Zayna