Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

I've been using Pantene Pro-V's Relaxed and Natural shampoo, conditioner, and daily moisturizer. I read somewhere (I believe it was at www.motowngirl.com and another site) that sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate are harsh on your hair. The Pantene Pro-V products I'm using have both of these ingredients, so I'm going to try something else. When I searched the Internet for natural hair care products, I came across Burt's Bees. I found a product called More Moisture Raspberry Brazil Nut Shampoo and Conditioner. It's 98.12% natural and there is no sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate in it. I usually wash my hair twice a week (sometimes 3 times a week if I notice product build-up or if I've been to the gym), so after I've used it for a while, I'll post an update and let you know what I think about it. It's suppose to leave your hair shiny, soft, and smelling nice (but what shampoo/conditioner doesn't claim that). Wish me luck! I hope to be able to come back and rave about this stuff!

Had the urge to post.......

Hey all! I just felt like posting something, so here goes. After reading Brandy's last post, I read the article stating "the disadvantages to cutting off your hair". That article hits the nail on the head. A lot of people asked me if I was scared to cut my hair and I told them no. To be honest with you, I was ready to get it cut. I got tired of fighting with natural roots and relaxed ends. It was hard. I surprised myself when I told David (my hubby) I was ready to cut it off. I thought I would get nervous and back out while in the middle of getting it cut, but the more hair I saw fall to the floor, the more excited I got. I can't remember when I started getting relaxers and I don't remember what my natural hair looked/felt like, but I know now and I LOVE IT! I would recommend going natural to everyone. I did it because my hair needed a fresh start. My last relaxer was on 5/27/07. After being around all my aunts over the summer, I saw how easy it was for them to just get up and go with only running their fingers thru their hair (they all have sister locs). I initially wanted to get locs, but after seeing my hair grow over the past 2 months, I've decided to just let it grow wild and free. I know I won't be able to get up, run my fingers thru my hair, and go with an afro (some taming will be needed), but having that option is a great thing. As I've said before, I'll decide what I want to do with it after a year. I want it to have a good, long chance to get strong and healthy. I've only put heat on my hair 3 times since getting it cut (and that was to dry my hair before going to bed). I'm planning on getting rid of my curling irons and flat iron. I'll hold on to my blow dry JUST IN CASE. As my hair gets longer, I might actually need to dry it (on a low setting, of course). I've gotten mixed reviews on what people think about my haircut. Some don't care for it, but a lot more really like it. In the end, it only matters what I think (and I know this) and I've said it before and I'll say it again, I absolutely love it! :)

So happy.....

I'm so glad that I get to take this journey with two of my closest friends. I think there is so much we can learn from each other and it's always good to have some support in whatever you do. This site is pretty cool. http://www.naturalhairphotos.com. Check it out. It' pretty good and there are some good links on there too. There are just people like us that upload there photos and chart there progress basically. I like the links on this site too....http://www.naturalhairdigest.com. I think that Amber Libby sent me this before. There is even home recipes for hair conditioner. You should check out the "Going Natural" tab for an interesting essay about the disadvantages about cutting off your hair.

Unrelated info.....Amber is Libby and Nicole is Cola or Cole. FYI so yall understand who I'm talking about :-)

Libby's Big Cut

I initially whacked it all off on Friday, November 9, 2007. I stopped relaxing my hair in July. So, I actually had more hair than that, but I allowed a “Negro” to cut it . . .and well that’s what you get. Nevertheless, I love it, and look forward to the growth-mentally and spiritually.


These are aerial pics of me on the 'big cut'.

The first blogging. . .

I plan to add more stuff about me and my journey to true "blackdom"!

This is a picture of me and Tommy during a trip in Long Beach, CA.

Some new pictures.....

I took these last night. Damn....I'm fine.

Here's My 2 Month Update

OK, so It's slow at work and I forgot I had a camera phone (DUH!) that I can use to take pics of my hair. Here is a top shot and a side shot. It's not fully fluffed out. I usually pat it down a little after combing it so any straight ends aren't sticking out.

Nicole's Big Cut

Like my buddy, Brandy, I have also cut off my relaxed hair. I got my hair cut on 9/19/07. I've just passed the 2 month mark and I'm still loving it! The freedom that comes with having a TWA (Tiny Weeny Afro) is so great. It's been raining in VA all day, and I've been outside in it and I don't have to worry about my hair. The rain actually feels good. It's moisturizing my hair! lol This picture was taken a few days after getting my hair cut. I'll take another picture tonight and post it to show you the growth I've had. I had about half an inch of hair after my hair cut and now I've got about 1.5 - 2 inches of natural hair! It's so great. I hope my hair continues to grow and get stronger and healthier. Like Brandy said, if you don't like it now, give it about 6 months and then tell me what you think. GO NAPPY HEADS!!!!!

Brandy's Big Cut

I just did my "Big Cut" on 11-24-07. I'm loving it so far and can't wait until it grows more. Amber and Nicole helped inspire me. :-)