Relaxer Stretch Guide: How To Maintain New Growth

          As women we share one common goal. We all want longer hair! Natural gals have it a bit easier in the hair growth process. For us relaxed girls, however, things get a little more complicated after 6-8weeks. I always found it hard to manage my new growth.  Being a Caribbean girl, I am a mixture of multiple races. My mixture has resulted in me having extremely thick 4B/4C hair (Heck! If 4D were an option I'd place myself in that category).  For many years I couldn't figure out what to do to better manage my new growth. Then one day it hit me like a light bulb moment. New growth is natural hair, natural hair needs moisture, so treat it like natural hair! I have since recently incorporated a few new techniques and even some natural products into my hair regimen to help manage my new growth. It's so simple that I can't even believe I didn't try them sooner.

Apply moisturizing conditioner
Moisture is the most important ingredient on a healthy hair journey. With that said, we have to keep in mind that our new growth, although new and unharmed by chemical, needs to be replenished with moisture as well. Ensure that you're using a moisturizing conditioner and not a protein conditioner. The new growth contains enough protein naturally that has not been broken down by chemicals. Simply section hair, apply conditioner directly to new growth (while conditioning the rest of the hair shaft), and comb through while its wet. The hair becomes softer and less prone to breakage when styling.

Apply moisturizer/ leave in

Personally, I apply leave-in conditioner and moisturizer as in my normal moisturize & seal routine. This may seem like a lot, but I'm pretty sure my hair thanks me every time I do it. You don't need to apply a lot depending on the amount of new growth. I simply section my hair into four and work the products into each section. I follow this up by moisturizing the rest of my hair shaft, combing and sealing the ends. Sometimes, I would apply a cream or curl custard for extra moisture and to elongate the curls. This product also helps in creating a defined braid out style.

Protect the line of demarcation

Apart from moisturizing your new growth, it's super important to protect the line of demarcation. The line of demarcation is where the new growth meets the relaxed hair. This is the most fragile part of the hair. This step is also essential as it helps in length retention. I apply an anti-breakage leave-in conditioner from root to end or from root to line of demarcation.

Hot oil treatment

Hot oil treatments are like the Holy Grail treatment for your hair. Not only does it repair split ends but it also stimulates the scalp to promote hair growth. Thus, it promotes thick and healthy new growth. And who doesn't want that right?  

Use detangler spray

Detangler spray helps so much when that new growth kicks in. Because we're working with two different textures of hair, it becomes a little harder to comb the hair. You just have to be more careful in the detangling process. I don't know how they do it, but detangling sprays just go on the hair and work its magic. Combing through your hair becomes a breeze. Keep in mind that you should be detangling from end to root to remove any possible knots throughout the hair shaft.

By using these tips, I've seen a tremendous improvement in the manageability of my hair. It's easier to comb and style. The comb simply glides through from root to end (after carefully detangling). I also experience much less breakage from the root. Happy to say I'm on the right track in my healthy hair journey. I guess the next step is length retention...


Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk

       

           When I bought the Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk, I actually intended to buy the Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Thickening Growth Milk. I know right, they sound kind of similar (just wait until you see the packaging). At the time my ends were very thin, fragile and breaking so easily. Hence, I wanted a product to thicken my ends and prevent breakage. I rushed in and out of the store in less than 5 minutes and only afterward realized I picked up the wrong product. I immediately started researching and comparing the ingredients, and studied the results of other users. Consequently, I decided to give the product a chance. By the way, it so turned out that I really just needed a trim to rid of those extremely dead ends (which I did get a week after). 

          Now, let's get to the review on Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk. Yeah, its a really long name with some really weird ingredients.  The label also mentions that it contains Baobab Oil and Cilantro Extract. The product is specifically for frizzy, split and breaking hair. It claims to improve thickness, strength and manageability of hair whilst reducing frizz and providing moisture and shine. In the Caribbean, Yucca, more commonly known as Cassava, is a strong source of carbohydrates. Plantain ,which is rich in B vitamins, is also somewhat a staple due to our Spanish influence. However, the Baobab Oil and Cilantro Extract really threw me over the fence. One sounds like an African language and the other is a seasoning herb. Nonetheless, Shea Moisture claims that they boost shine and fortify strength. It did not disturb me at all that the product contained ingredients that I was accustomed eating. I have great confidence in Shea Moisture products. I'm also aware of the benefits of Yucca and Plantain on the body and I'm a huge believer of what's good for the body is good for my hair.

                Pros                

          On the bright side, this strengthening milk absorbs very well into my hair. It literally soaks it up as if it was dehydrated. I apply it from root to tip and gently finger detangle. I tried it on dampened hair, as well as, dry, flat ironed hair and the results were exactly the same. My hair adores this product! On that note, I should mention that I have low porosity hair. This product being a "milk" provides a more lightweight feel as opposed to hair lotions or creams, hence it is more easily absorbed.  I cannot speak for other porosity levels but I can imagine that it should also work well once followed by a moisturize and seal. The anti-breakage milk also stays true to its claim that it can mix and blend with other products. I use it as a leave-in conditioner before I moisturize and seal. It neither weighs down nor disappears under layers of other products. It provides a strong base in my moisturizing regime. Altogether, my hair feels soft, yet strong and very manageable. 

                Cons               

          On the contrary, like most Shea Moisture products, it is on the pricey side. Although I seem to have no control when it comes to hair products, I will admit it is quite expensive for a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. However, it was totally worth the price because it really, really works well. I'm glad it does to be honest because it's not so easy to return products at beauty supply stores down here. Secondly, the scent is highly (and I mean Highly!) perfumated. It has a very sweet scent almost like  a laundry detergent. The scent does tend to linger even after products are layered over it. Personally, I don't mind it but if you're not into really sweet scents then you may be deterred. 

           As you can tell, I love this product! Even with its high price and overly sweet smell, I continue to use this product regularly. It has quickly made its way to my Top 5 list of hair products. And definitely its secured a place in my daily and weekly hair regimen. I look forward to having healthier, stronger hair. So long are the days of my ends breaking off every time I touch them. Thanks Shea Moisture ;)

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque

       

          Ok, can I just start by saying Shea Moisture takes the award for longest product names ever? Like seriously, I got tired just from typing the title. I discovered the Shea Moisture JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque from the lifestyle and hair vlogger, Charisse Christine. The product was featured in a video entitled "Charisse's Relaxed Hair Must-Haves". I loved how healthy and strong her relaxed hair looked so I was convinced I needed that product in my regimen. It was the first purchase I had ever made from the Shea Moisture brand. Shea Moisture, being a brand associated with natural hair, claims that this JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore line is also suitable for chemically processed, colour treated and heat styled hair. The masque specifically contains Shea Butter, Peppermint and Keratin which each aids in the strengthening, growth and restoration of hair follicles. I have very few complaints about this product. As a matter of fact, I quite like it as you'll soon discover.

     Cons     

          Shea Moisture's Strengthen, Grow & Restore masque does contain proteins; namely Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein and Hydrolyzed Keratin; one of which is in the first ten list of ingredients. Because my hair is so sensitive to protein, I found it best not to use this product every week. When I used it once a week for a month, my hair became quite stringy and sticky on the third week's washing. Thus, I use it every other week or once a month in alternation with a moisturizing conditioner. There is also the concern of Shea Moisture's high prices. This product undoubtedly falls into the pricey category. However, it is totally worth the price if you're willing to spend the money.

     Pros     

          Now we've reached the part where I'd like to fast forward to the end. And I mean that in the best way possible. Every draft I've written thus far just sounds so redundant. What I'm really trying to say is, This Product Actually Produces Every Benefit It Claims! Let's make a checklist:

• replenish moisture and soften while strengthening hair? Yes!
• helps promote hair growth by supporting hair's elasticity? Yes!!
• reduces the appearance of breakage? Oh yes!
• and Shedding? Yesss!
• stimulates the scalp for an invigorating experience? Ohh yes!
• leaves hair soft, manageable and shiny? Uhmm, how do you say.... YES!

It's all there already. I literally could not state it any better. I have experienced every single benefit stated by this product and I'm totally satisfied with it. It has improved the health of my hair by a ten-fold. The Shea Moisture JBCO Treatment Masque is hands down one of the best deep conditioners to ever grace my hair. In terms of its deep treatment qualities, it works well with and without heat. For those with low porosity hair, however, it is recommended to use heat. Otherwise, it can be left on the hair for up to an hour and equal results should be noticed.

As previously mentioned, the price of this product is high. On the plus side, however, one container lasts a very long time. I've had my treatment masque for about a year so far and its just now finishing. A little (or even a lot) definitely goes a long way with this conditioner. The cool thing about it is that, even after heavily scooping it out, by the following use it magically appears to have an even surface. It makes you feel like the product is never ending. Quite frankly, it might as well be, given the length of time it lasts. It also has an amazing scent. And you know I'm hard to please when it comes to scents. I would describe it as a warm, custard-like scent. It definitely smells edible (but in a good way). The scent even lasts long after you've dried and styled your hair. I almost fall in love with my hair every time I catch a whiff of it.

I am incredibly pleased with this deep treatment masque from Shea Moisture. I'm also encouraged to try other products from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. My hair responds very well to this Strengthen, Grow & Restore masque. I definitely look forward to a long, healthy hair journey with Shea Moisture.

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz


Also see: PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk http://letshairthis.blogspot.com/2016/06/product-review-shea-moisture-yucca.html