M.I.A. and new hair products

I'm been in-between nothing and 'vacations' so forgive me for my extended absences. I also just got a new laptop (today!) and haven't had access to a working computer for a while. When I have less time to do my hair I will have to do different styles therefore I will not be wearing small twists as much therefore I will post more and have more to post about. My hair is considerably longer, since I ended up basically doing a grow-out challenge through the twists, so I'll be able to try more styles. I'm looking forward to doing bantu knot-outs, twis-n-curls, and I also will be working so I'll be able to let my PJ run wild. I did get A LOT of the products I wanted to try.

My wonderful mother got me (from Target):

• Jane Carter Leave-in conditioner
• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Wash
• Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier
• Ten Thousand Villages Cucumber and Jasmine Vegetable Bar Soap

So far I like Jane Carter, Shea Moisture CES, and Taliah Waajid. I'll post more in depth reviews as I have more time to feel out the products. I was painfully neglectful to my twists for the last week and they were dry and felt like straw at the ends (I know, I need to deep condition) and I applied the CES in small amounts to all the twists, and sprayed both JC and TW all over my head. My hair today feels MUCH stronger and more moisturized already. My hair tends to be dryer in the summer and I need to put a moisturizer (leave-ins and oils don't work, I need a cream or something usually) to keep my hair healthy. I also plan on trying Brahmi oil or some products that have the oil in them because my edges are suffering as of now. Just around my temples they have thinned out a lot due to shedding and the twists. It's all grown back VERY fast (about in an inch as of now) but I want to try and prevent it and to correct it.

I have yet to use the to soaps, I will soon though. I like to use soaps with the right ingredients on my hair sometimes. I have been using the South of France Organic Shea Butter bar soap to clarify before hennaing. Speaking of hennaing, I need to do that ASAP. I haven't hennaed since... I don't even remember SAAAAADDDD. I also haven't DC'd in about the same amount of time. I'm been neglecting not only my hair, but myself as well. Something about having summers off because of school throws me off. Anyways, I'll have some pics up in the near future of this last bout of twists (done in 3 days for a concert [Warped Tour]) and my in-between style.

64 weeks.

I have left this blog for quite a while (over a year I think) but now I am back! I almost basically have everything together with school and work and everything. I have many hair updates that will appear in the coming days and weeks, because I have been buying products and trying new styles, taking pictures, trying new products, etc., but I just haven't been posting about it. Not even on the Curly Nikki forum (I'm under Pwatem).

So my update so far is that I am 64 weeks into my long-term transition. I haven't trimmed my hair or done any major cuts (as you can see in the previous post) since then. I'm really focusing on retaining length at this point. Once in a while I can't think of anything to do with my hair and I want to grab some shears and BC so badly, but I think about my super bun (pictures will appear soon), and I hold out.

I have recently, and by recently I mean 2 days ago, discovered my perfect regimen and product combination for my hair.

For in the shower:

• Aussie Moist
• J/A/S/O/N Biotin Shampoo
• Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine
• Aussie Smooth
• HE Hello Hydration
• South of France Shea Butter Bar

Styling:

• Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner
• Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition
• Garnier Cream Gel
• EVCO
• Smooth n' Shine Curl Activator Gel

I have replaced Fantasia IC gel with Smooth n' Shine and it is amazing. I have read a lot of hype about Fantasia and I used it for a long time, but it just doesn't do what I want it to. I have no beauty supply store near me, so I have to rely on what Target or Walmart for most of my products. When I go home next weekend I'm going to live in the beauty supply store.

I also recently made a lot of purchases of organic and natural up-keep and cleansing products.

for a total of about $40 I got:

• rosewater
• glycerin
• essential oils of peppermint
• essential oils of lavender
• jojoba oil
• biotin capsules
• aloe vera juice
• soap nuts

I just have to get a measuring container thingee (wow my descriptive English is terrible) for the soap nut liquid, and a spray bottle for my other mixture.

I ordered everything a few days ago, so I hope everything gets here early next week.

Ok I think this post is long enough, so... bye.