Count down to 6 months post chop milestone

 Life has happened, time has flown so quickly and we are here now.

I looked through photos on my phone this evening as I thought of writing this new post but found I haven't taken much of myself or hair since my last post. (Mainly of the kids )

Nothing new really, same regimen, a few new products and hair accessories. Still an exciting journey of learning as only recently I was watching youtube videos on two strand twist outs (my next technique to master).

I'm still learning to style my hair . These photos were taken 2 days ago and feature my everyday goto style, I just change accessories.

Changes To Regimen Post Big Chop

I do not want to buy a whole new range of products for my natural hair, at least not till my current products are used up. And my regimen hasnt changed much either.

But I did do a 'top up' to my regimen; I used to do the LO method to moisturise and seal but now I have started the LOC method for my natural hair. For the 'C' I bought the following creams

And the eco styler gel with argan oil just because ... :-D

New Products and Accessories

Finally Big Chopped!!!

So much for transitioning for 1-2 years ha! I just couldn't wait any longer, I was an impatient transitioner :-D

I big chopped after 9 months of transitioning as it became increasingly difficult dealing with two textures.

Finally got an appointment with my hairdresser, I just wanted the relaxed ends cut off, nothing fancy.. she got my hair wet for the chop and afterwards blow dried my hair.

This is my hair blowdried

And my hair in its shrunken state.

It's only been 3 days and I'm still learning more about my natural hair, learnt new hair terminologies  (e.g wash n go, twa), subscribed to new youtube channels. ..

I intend to protective style my hair in cornrows at some point, but for now just going with the flow .

My December - January Protective Style

I planned to get a weave installed for the winter months but after taking out my mini braids and having a week resting time, I changed my mind.  The reason is that I really enjoyed being able to treat my owm hair whilst wearing a protective style, without any extensions getting in the way.

So I opted for cornrows this time.  This healthy hair journey has definitely  changed the way I see my hair and my thinking too. In the past I wouldnt have ever considered cornrows without extensions but here i am now wearing them with pride.

When I had my mini braids I followed every step of my current regimen. By the end of the 5 weeks, the ends of my hair were getting tangled because I was washing 3 times in a week.

So I have decided to make a few changes; 

• Wear these cornrows for maximum 4 weeks 
• Wash and deep condition once a week. (protein deep conditioning - shampoo - moisturising deep conditioning )
• Include a mid week cowash only if necessary 
• Overnight baggying 2 - 3 times a week to help with moisture

My Decision To Transition To Natural Hair

I never thought that one day I'd go natural,  it's never crossed my mind but I found myself toying with the idea in the past weeks.

A couple of things made me come to that decision;

• Firstly, I have just one hairdresser who relaxes my hair (about 6 miles from me) and I haven't been able to get her on the phone for sometime,  she might be on holiday out of the country. In the past when this happens I'd always go for a plan B till I'm able to book an appointment.
• I've got two daughters, my first is now 2 years and 9 months old,  I've always styled her hair and since I started my hair journey,  I also have been researching about natural hair care for her. Got me thinking how much I want her to grow up loving her hair especially if there aren't many with her type of hair around her. If she sees mummy loving and embracing her own natural hair,  what better example would there be? Mummy and daughters same regimen,  same products, same hair. ..Hmmm I do have a dream!
• And then of course no more harsh chemicals,  no more havinf to deal with two textures. 

My last relaxer was on the 29th of May 2015. I've watched a lot of transitioning youtube videos and would like to transition for a year or even two but I don't think I'll be patient enough. The more I look at my hair in these mini braids the more I want to do a 'small chop' :-D, but I'm thinking of having a weave installed next month to see me through the harsh winter months, that will keep my hands and eyes off my hair for a while.

I'm really excited about going natural especially now I've discovered the world of healthy hair.

Heat Conditioning Cap vs Bonnet Hood Dryer

My regimen calls for deep conditioning twice a week and with heat. I currently use a silver bonnet hood dryer attachment which does the job except that I have to be stationary, which typically means the best time for my kids to need me. 

They also are attracted to the dryer's noise and love to poke at the inflated hood when in use ..I'm lucky to get a full 15mins lol.

So I ordered this microwaveable heat conditioning cap which arrived today. 

Features

• Heat-Treat... The revolutionary Hair Conditioning Heat Cap. Simply pop in the Microwave for 2 minutes for the most deepest conditioning your hair would ever have had
• One size cap to fit all (black) - Easily slips on and off whether you have short/medium/long hair
• Comes with 3x Jenoris treatment sachet's so you can use Heat-Treat instantly
• Keep cap on while working, cooking, getting ready for a night out, so easily to use when you are just around the house!
• The heat from Heat Treat opens up your hair cuticles allowing conditioning treatments to nourish and replace moisture to the inner hair shaft

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: 
1.Dampen hair and then pat dry 
2.Comb through your selected hair treatment (you get 3 with this Heat-Treat offer) 
3.Warm Heat Treat in microwave for 2 minutes 
4.Place warmed Heat-Treat cap on your condition covered hair for a minimum of 3 minutes (for deep healing, you can keep the cap on for upto 20 minutes) 
5.Remove Heat-Treat Cap when suitable - and Voila... Rinse your hair and reveal your lovely treated hair 

This ticks all the boxes for me and I can't wait to use this for my next wash. 

Updated 18/11/2015

I used the heat cap on my shampoo wash day. After I applied my protein prepoo , I microwaved the heat cap for 2 mins on high,  and placed it on my head. The heat cap is a bit heavy and not as light as a shower cap. 

Being used to the continous heat produced by my bonnet hood dryer , I didn't feel the heat from the heat cap at all. I found myself lifting the cap up to feel the inside of the cap as I couldnt tell if it was hot or not. It took about 20 mins to cook off completely. For the deep conditioning after shampooing,  I microwaved it for 2.5 mins and that was perfect, I felt the heat all over my head. By 20 mins, it still has some heat left in it.

I love the fact that I could move about , go about my business whist my hair was being pampered  (without blazing heat :-D) and my kids didn't even notice!

I thought the heat cap would be a replacement for my bonnet hood dryer but no, I shall be using the heating cap for its ease and the bonnet dryer when I really need an intense deep conditioning treatment.