I'm starting a new journal since I've started a new haircare routine.

About a month ago I started doing homemade herbal rinses and I'm loving the results.  I keep forgetting to write down my experiments, so if I do it here, someone might get something from it, too.

I bought the book: "Naturally Healthy Hair" by Mary Beth Janssen.  Most of my haircare changes are due to this book.

After reading the book, I started drinking nettle tea.  I have done several nettle rinses, but they seem to darken my haircolor.  I like the properties of nettle, I just need to use less in my herb mix.

At the moment my routine:
Devacurl One Condition on ends
California Baby Super Sensitive shampoo (this is helping my flakey scalp) *sometimes I alternate shampoos with Devacurl No Poo and Low Poo
ACV rinse, rinse out the rinse
Herbal Rinse #1: Horsetail, lavender, marshmallow, nettle with lavender, sandalwood and clary sage eo
Devacurl One Condition on ends
brief water rinse, blot out excess water
Herbal Rinse #2: decoction of chamomile and calendula with rose, neroli and lavender eo

Scrunching in Ouidad Curl Quench gel and plop.  After taking off the towel, scrunch in a few drops of camellia oil.  Dividing my hair in half really helps me evenly distribute my conditioner and oil.

I did one gelatin deep conditioner protein pack since working with the book.  I liked the results, am struggeling to get a deep condition in each week.  I will do the gelatin pack again.  Someday.

Am still getting Success Oil scalp massages every two weeks at my salon.  I've been doing this for several months.  Its helping with my TMJ and I think keeping my growth going.

Right now, I'm taking a hot bath after my workouts and then showering and washing my hair = 3 times a week.  I like this routine, although getting a little weary of making my "hair tea" 3 times a week.

This past Monday I dropped my 1st rinse and just did the 2nd.  The tea was too hot to apply so I diluted it and I think I got better color results.  Curl is a bit more to my liking with both rinses.

I've dropped my leave-in conditioner: Devacurl Be-leave In for the moment.  My ends are less crunchy, I think the herbal rinses are conditioning enough and I leave the 2nd one in anyway.

I'm really happy with these results.  I've gone almost 5 months without a trim and I'm in really good shape.  Very few splits, breaks or dryness.  Also, regarding my thick hair: I am lifting my hair to get a good rinse.  I think this is helping my scalp, along with all the other stuff I'm doing.

Trying for monthly S&D, if I do that I'm sure I can go 6 months between trims and have healthy hair.

On another note: Saturdays is my outdoor boot camp fitness class.  I'm recieving or doing my scalp massage on Friday and heavily applying camellia oil to my ends overnight, wearing my hair in braids during class and then bathing.  I really feel this is not only giving me extra conditioning, but protection to my hair during vigorous exercise.  Bonus!!

Thanks, CurlyGirl64!

This pic is when I do both rinses:


and this one is from today, with just the 2nd rinse:

Thanks, Trisha.  I don't know if I'll be posting much in this journal with my board duties.  I'm hoping to post at least once a month though.

beautiful curls!

I got a bad headache after boot camp yesterday, so I'm still holding off on the henna.

I used my new larger micro fiber towel-its a winner!  It makes plopping much easier and I like the results even better.

I didn't do my herbal rinses when I washed yesterday.  I did a clarifying shampoo and conditioner, plus my usual ACV rinse to get the oil and ginger out of my hair.  Its funny, I think my hair looks redder.  At last hubby could tell a difference w/o the color rinse.

Today after yoga class my folks are coming over for the Super Bowl.  We have the FBR and Super Bowl here on the same week.  Thank goodness we live on the other side of town.  Traffic is bad enough regularly!!  If my head doesn't stop hurting, I may spend most of the afternoon in bed.

Thanks, Curlygirl64.  I do feel better, I think I may have been dehydrated and not realized it.

Experiment:
Avocado oil
Aloe Vera Gel
Honey
Ylang-Ylang eo

Mixed and warmed and applied to scalp to leave in overnight.  Very emollient, however very sticky.  Lost lots of hair trying to finger comb through and even more in the shower.  Luckily it washed out just fine.  I had to wash earlier than planned-there's no way I could style my sticky hair and go out to do stuff and then come home and bathe (which is my routine).  If I do this again, I'll add more oil and/or less honey or maybe just the oil and eo.  I don't want to loose so much hair again!  This mix made my hands very soft, as I put on the left overs.

Tomorrow I go to Tuscon w/hubby to get a curlygirl haircut.  Trim, actually.

Got my trim today, looks like about 1/2".  I'm happy with the results.  We had beautiful weather for our drive down to Tuscon.  There's snow on the mountains, big, fluffy clouds and sunshine.

I love my trips to get my hair trimmed, hubby and I talk the whole way there and back and just really enjoy each other's company.

Next trim is in 6 months.

Thanks, Angel Spun.

I'm really struggling with what looks like broken ends.  And this is just after getting a trim.  I think I may go to a different salon that does the Ouidad curly hair cutting method and try it, that'll be in August.

I got some new herbs for my rinses and tried them out last night.  Also got some polysorbate 20, a coconut derived emulisifier for the essential oils I put in my rinse to distribute the oil in the water.

I think I put too much marshmallow root in, made detangling a bit trickey.

I seem to be getting more lift on top if I leave my plopping in for more than one hour, and tie it off very loosely.

Tried Sunflower oil to oil my ends Sunday night.  Very emollient stuff.  I'll give it a few more tries, am thinking that using camellia oil only may not be giving me enough moisture.  Also considering avocado oil as an alternate.

Am changing Wednesday to deep treat day.  Maybe now I'll manage to do it every week!

Thanks for the tip, Angel Spun.  I'll give it a try.

Am going to try nightly scalp massage with Success Oil.  Did it last night using only 2 drops per section and my scalp did not look too oily this morning when I got ready to go workout.  Typically I use a lot of oil for scalp massage about 3 times a week.  My scalp was a bit dry last night so I tried using less oil.  It helped the itchies decrease.

Will do/Must do a deep treatment today.  Was going to do it after my workout but I ran out of time.  Mom is coming over and were going shoe shopping, so after that a hot bath and my deep treat.

Accidentally made a cool, old fashioned hairdo today.  I watched "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austin last night and I guess the hairstyles were on my mind.  I started out to do something modern with two high pony buns.  I divided the hair and put each side into an elastic.  Then I decided to braid it.  So, I start on the right side, braid and coil into a bun toward the center at the crown.  I pined it down and started to braid the other side.  Because I did a side part, there was less hair on this side and the braid didn't finish to the end.  I wrapped the left braid around the bun already in place and pinned it down.  It looks a bit like a Gibson Girl, but you can see the part on the back of my head.  I must admit it looked weird with my workout clothes, but it did keep my hair secure and out of the way-except for the jumping rope, which got caught on the bun a few times but it stayed in place.

I'm having a hard time being patient with my hair growing longer right now.  If I didn't care how it looked I'd have quite a bit more length, however I DO care, and am glad it looks healthy even at its current length.

So far, two for two.  Two weeks in a row deep treat.  Hair is doing great.  I hope I can keep it up.

Today, doing gelatin protein pack.  Man, this stuff is runny!

Today's hair rinse, the best of the best:
1 Tbs chamomile flowers
1 Tbs calendual flowers
1 Tbs coltsfoot herb
1 tsp horsetail herb
1 tsp rosemary herb
1 tsp nettles herb
2 cups water
1 Tbs aloe vera juice
essential oils of:
clary sage (2 drops)
marjoram (3 drops)
lavender (10 drops)
ylang-ylang (2 drops)

Add herbs to water and bring to boil in stainless steel pan.  Simmer, covered for 30 mins.  Strain and discard herbs.  Measure out aloe and add essential oils.  Pour into applicator bottle when still warm and use as final rinse, leaving it in hair.


Will see how it turns out after drying.

My hair feels really thick and is very wavy.  Some of the waves are actually twists, which is kinda weird and cool.

Color came out a bit strange to me.  Its darker than usual, more honey colored and when it was still a bit wet it looked, well, slightly dark green.  Actually the color of the nettle leaves.

Anyway, my scalp needed a bit of oil last night before bed.  I am trying a homeopathic course for candida-it may stop the itchies.

Oh, yeah, went back to bellydance class Friday night for the first time in over a year.  I'm so happy to have the cushing's syndrom under control enough that I can go back to some of the things I love to do.  Ahh, being able to do things other than sleep from extreme fatigue is wonderful!!!

Glad to hear you are once again able to enjoy doing things like bellydancing again.

Yeah bellydancing!  Hopefully I'll get some classes too!

Aww that sounds cute!  I want a beanie!

Thanks, gals.

The word for today is: Magraine 

Somebody shoot me, put me out of my misery.

I finally did my henna:






I know, my foot looks weird.

Today I'm doing another deep treat-I need to go rinse it out now and get ready to watch the end of Project Runway.

Thanks, Lisabelle.  Not too bad for my first time doing it on myself.  The pics were taken about an hour after I took the paste off-the color isn't fully developed.  The back of my hand really got to a nice, dark brown.

Thanks again, for your tips.  I think I need to go buy larger socks, and the cotton held the design in place on my hands all night perfectly.  Hubby helped me put it on my feet and, well, you know, the paste didn't stay in place as well as if I'd done it.

Lol, cute feet.

I used up some of my old Ouidad conditioners at the end of my deep treat last night and this morning my hair is not as curly as ususal.  I'm glad to be running out of what I don't use regularly.  For now, my hair is most happy with Devacurl.  I hope that doesn't change any time soon...
luckily there are more specialty products for curlies on the market than there used to be.

FYI-I found that when I put my hair in a high bun with a bandana it never caused a problem for me demonstrating any kind of pose.  Maybe it might work for you!

Hope your headaches go away soon!  Wow you got more Henna, right on!  When your ready I'll teach you my secret henna receipe.

OH, MAN am I sore!  My back is sore from bellydancing and the rest of me is sore from boot camp yesterday.

I counted:
72 pushups (knees down)
75 full situps
100 squats
and a bunch of other stuff, too.

Admittedly, I enjoyed it.  I'm not dying or anything, and am really glad that I taught yoga today.  We did forward folds and back bends and my back feels much better.

Hair is doing good-I got a genuine "You have such beautiful curly hair" compliment from one of my students on Thursday.  It was so sweet and one of the first I've received at work.  That was nice.  I forgot to mention it with the sinus headaches I was having.  We got rain today and lots of weird and creepy cloud formations.  It was cold today, big drop from the 80's we were having.

The vernal equinox is almost here!

I tried the new Devacurl deep conditioner today and at first try I like it.  I also tried the gel and mist.  I'm much more wavy than curly today, but it feels soft and not crunchy.  I wasn't able to plop as long as I would have liked, so that makes a difference in my curliness.  Verdict is out on the mist.

Been having issues with my back muscles being really sore...

Thanks, Curlgirl!  I think part of my back sorness is coming from not sleeping with my guling.  Its an Indonesian bolster type pillow that goes between the knees.  After that occured to me, I went back to bed for a couple of hours and when I got up and even still hours later I feel much better.  I haven't seen as much of hubby as I'd like so I got up with him this morning and made french press coffee and we had breakfast together.

I had a scalp massage today, and that always helps me feel good.

Absolutly, Curlgirl!!

I am getting a neuro-muscular therapy massage tomorrow after my yoga class.  It will be interesting, one of the few types of body work I haven't experienced.

With all the rain we had this year, everything is blooming 100x more than ususal.  I think I may have some new plant allergies with all this bloom.  Makes exercising outside difficult and not fun!

I think the kitties have found a spider to play with-gotta go check to make sure its not one of the poisonous ones!

Holy hormones!  I've been ordered to immediately stop taking my BC.  My blood pressure was 170/120 which is apparently high enough for a stroke.  Now I have an ultra sound and biopsy tomorrow and Friday and bloodwork on Monday.  Thank goodness my appointment got moved to today instead of June.

Thanks for your well wishes. 

I was taking Junel 1/20 FE.  I was changing pills every year at my yearly check up because I was having monthly migranes and other issues.  The woman I saw yesterday said that some people don't do well on the pill and that I cannot take estrogen pills.

They took my blood pressure 4 times yesterday, by 3 different people.  They'll take it again today-I hope it has come down.  The idea of having a stroke at 38 has me anxious, which of course doesn't help.

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Argh!  I've had a headache since Friday and today its worse.  I hope the IUD stops these headaches-maybe I'll have to go on blood pressure meds. 
I see the regular doc. on Monday so I'll find out more then, I hope.

I found sooooo many split, broken and split, broken & holey hairs!!  I think I'm not going to make it to the 6 months no trim like I'd hoped.  I don't want to get to my goal length and then have to have several inches cut off.  I think I'll make an appointment tomorrow, for May or June.  I'm going to try a salon in Scottsdale that has a person certified in the Ouidad carve and slice technique.  If I don't like how it turns out, I'll go back to driving to Tuscon where I get a curly girl haircut.  I'm going to ask them to take off 1/2", I'm afraid there's that much damage.  Dammit.

Had a scalp massage yesterday, that helped my headache.

I did make it to bellydance class.  I'm so happy I felt well enough to go-there's a recital May 13th and I need to practice.  I wore some of my new kuchi tribal accessories to class-that was fun!!!  As usual, I'm the only one that dresses for class.  Ah well, that's just me I guess!!

I'm going to boot camp this morning, even if I only do half of it.  I think my blood pressure is still high and our boot camp is super intense so I'm going 'cause exercise is good for me but I won't push it.  Today we're in doors, and its a good thing because it is super windy today.

Hmmmph.  I've decided I can't get my hair trimmed just yet.  It is getting so close to BSL.  I guess I'll just work on my s&d's until I can't stand it.  Mayby trim in July instead.

Thanks for the trim advice, La Diosa!

The other students wear t shirts and stretchy pants.  Just like they were doing any old work out class.  I agree, the costuming is a huge part of my fun!

This is from April 12, 2008 and the other is from August 10th, 2008

Although the pic doesn't show it so well, there are many more waves in the first than the second.

Hypertension does run in my family.  Most of my father's side died from heart disease.  This past June my dad had 5 bypasses.

I am lucky I caught it now, my pressure is still too high which will damage my organs if left untreated.

So, apparently the cause isn't the bc, or isn't only that.  I was soooo hoping it would be normal by now.  They took blood today and are going to run a bunch of comprehensive tests so I'll have a more complete picture.  I have a feeling there's more going on, especially if the Prednisone I took in '99 gave me Cushings Syndrome.  That will be one of those, "I hate being right so often" moments.

When I told my students what had happened (I missed 2 days of work) they were shocked since I seem so calm all the time and teach yoga.

Bloody genetics.

La Diosa, unfortunately genetics don't give a crap about how good you take care of yourself.  If your genetics kick in on the hypertension, all of the things you are doing will still benefit you.  Still continue to take care of yourself!!!

I think the side effects are decreasing!!  I taught class today and felt pretty normal.  My bp yesterday was 119/88!  Now, I have to watch out for the meds to not lower my pressure too much.

I'm sooo happy with my hair today.  I got up early (8am) and bathed, finally got some acv for my rinse and did my plopping.  Happy, happy, happy.  Also, I got 3 pairs of Ketylo hairsticks.  Black, green and dark brown.  They're spirals, which is the only style that will hold my hair properly without using hairpins.  I got them to wear bellydancing and to just throw into my purse.  I got the medium length, works good!!

I'm getting a massage and adjustment this afternoon-its been overdue with my recent health crisis.

Its sunny and 79 degrees today.  That makes me happy, too.

I have 5 pairs now, 4 wood and 1 aquapearl.

I recently got some henna from hennacaravan.com and I tried it last night.

This is the paste on the back:



And the palm:



The camera started acting up, we think it died after taking these pictures.

Very pretty!  You and Lisabelle inspire me to one day try my hand at Mehandi.

Nice job!  Love the Om tattoo

I'm most excited to report that soon we'll be 1/2 way to Halloween.  My party will be October 25th, 2008 and I'm getting ready to begin creating props.  I've got some books coming that I can hardly wait to get and get started.  I have big plans for the yard decorations.  Most of my guests hang out outside so most of my decorating efforts are going out there.  This year I'm going to learn how to make my own molds for skulls and animatronics.  I'm squishy with excitement!!!

My mom has been diagnosed w/uterine cancer.   
Her surgery is the 14th and I'm going to go help her out for the month of June.

I may try to get a trim in before I go, since I don't want one too close to Halloween.

I'm shipping a few things to MI during my stay: henna and supplies for making latex props and Agus' cannibal headdress and accessories.

Gotta go to my workout!

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's diagnosis!   I wish her a speedy cancer free recovery.  She and you are in my prayers,too!

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother.  I hope the treatments work out well for her.  I'm sure she will appreciate your time with her.  Try to enjoy it a bit.  I know the last two times I've helped my mother following her surgeries have strengthened our bonds.  I hope it all goes well for you both.

Be prepared.... spring is very slow to come in this part of the country.  Temps are well below normal which will feel frigid to you.  What part of MI are you visiting?

Quote:

My mom's surgery went OK, sounds like they found more cancer than expected but they think they got it all.  I haven't heard any more yet.

Washed my hair last night, not very happy with how it looks.  While it was drying it looked like he missed a section.  Feeling worried I'm going to have to wear my hair up for the next 3 months.

I was able to wear a large Ficcarre clip all day yesterday, which I wouldn't be able to do if I hadn't had the bulk taken out of the back.  Oh, and one small section in front is at least 1/2" shorter than the rest so now I have to be careful to get my hair gathered in just the right spot or it falls out and into my face.  Gggggrrrrrr.

Of course, the tone of this post might be coming from my being up at 5:30AM.  A.M.
Thank goodness this is the last day I'm subbing this early.

Glad to hear the surgery went OK and they think they got all the cancer.  Will she be receiving any chemo or radiation treatments?

You guys are all morning wimps!  I'm on bike on the way to work by 5:15am!    (Just don't ask me to be too alert at 11pm!)

OK, so I'm an early morning wimp.  I'm also a late night/wee hours TIGRESS!!

I have in the past had jobs that required me to be up early.  Not my favorite thing, I guess the money made me do it.

We won't know if mom needs chemo or radiaton for about a week.  I finally got to speak to my sister and dad yesterday.  The nurses say my mom is doing as expected for this type of surgery.  She's sleeping a lot which is good for healing.  Probably today or tomorrow they'll be getting her moving to get the anesthesia crap out of her lungs.  She has sat up already but briefly.  Not eating much yet-jello and some water.  I can't wait to talk to her, probably tomorrow.

OK, I'm officially pi$$ed off about my new haircut.  While its nice not to have so much weight of my hair, all of my hairstyles except wearing it down now have pokey outey bits.  Lots of them.  I don't even like how it looks down now because I don't dry it with a hairdryer.   
I'm glad, however, that I took a risk and now have satisfied my curiosity of the Ouidad haircut.  It is not for me.  I think its better for really curly hair.  Now my hairstyles will require more thought and work to make them look good.  I hate making more work for myself!!!  I've decided to buy myself a cowboy hat.  I think hats will be my solution this summer, I can pull back the top half and away I go.  I'm feeling frustrated by the result of my haircut.  To some degree, I wish my hair was straight, so that part wasn't so difficult to get right.  I want my hair to look good, and a good cut is hard to get.  Guess I'll be back in Tuscon in 3 months.

Thanks, AmandaC.  It is important to get trims to keep the ends from tangling and if the hair is split, that spit will go up the shaft and cause more damage.  Of course, s & d helps keep the split population down.

I'm sure it doesn't look so horrible to anyone else but me.