Big Chop: One Year Later

It's been one year since I had a meltdown about my hair and cut it ALL off (take a look here & here). I was in shock for so many days after I did it, not believing I actually did it!  I was very worried- scared that my hair would never grow back, nervous about how I would transition from long hair to no hair, upset I couldn't resort to a ponytail on days I was running late. I went to get my ends trimmed and got my first iron out since I cut it!

My hair is the healthiest it has ever been. I worried for no reason because my hair grew back so quickly and better than before!

It's finally at a length that I can swoop all of it up into a struggle ponytail, which is all I really need for mornings I don't feel like dealing with my hair. I discovered how to make a "faux bun" (tutorial I used here) and have been rocking that style lately.

My hair maintenance for the last year has been pretty easy (check out my regimen here). I kept it in Senegalese twists for half of the year then wore it it's natural state the other half. I have only worn wash and go's so far because my hair is not long enough to do twist outs or bantu knots, but I'm hoping to start new styles in the next year.

So whoop there it is! I'm looking forward to my second year of growth! :)

xoxo

RECIPE | Broiled Grapefruit

Growing up, my granny loved and ate grapefruit regularly. Although I'm a HUGE fan of the citrus fruit group, grapefruit has always been last on the list for me. I was over a friend's house recently and she was looking through a cookbook and mentioned broiling grapefruit. I don't know what happened, but I was instantly interested and scribbled "grapefruit" to my grocery list. 

Current Faves: Wash-N-Go Styling

It's almost been one whole year since I took a huge leap of faith and cut all of my long locks off (you can read my big chop story here). When I did my big chop, I did a post on the hair products I was using to get started on my natural hair journey. My hair has grown crazily since a year ago, and I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick post on my current styling regimen for my wash-n-go! 

The wash-n-go is the only style I'm wearing currently because my hair is in "the awkward stage" where it's 10x longer on the top than the sides and back. I am actually wearing senegalese twists right now to get a break from my 20 minute scrunch and diffuse morning routine (*insert yucky face emoji here*) My styling produts of choice hasn't changed much since my previous post, but here is where I've landed almost one year later.

SHAMPOO- Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free & Trader Joe's Peppermint Tea Tree Tingle | CONDITION- Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore & Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque | STYLE- EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel & Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

The best part about all of the products above is they are not animal tested and 100% cruelty free! :)

I shampoo my hair once every one to two weeks, depending on how much product has built up in my hair. Obviously I looooove Shea Moisture products (who doesn't though, right!?) Recently, I started using their Strengthen, Grow, and Restore Treatment Masque to deep condition my hair every two weeks. I also really love their Jamaican Black Castor Oil leave-in conditioner. I style my hair in the mornings with a water, EcoStyler olive oil gel, the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and then diffuse to dry (I hate nothing more than dripping wet hair). Once it's dry, I finish by adding a little coconut oil for a little extra moisture. 

And that's it! It take me about 15-20 minutes to style, which is a hell of a lot shorter time than when I first began. I'm anxious for the day I can wear a bun a do a twist out! Maybe in one more year... ;)

xoxo

Current Faves: Big Chop Hair Styling

Happy Thursday! 

It's been about 3 weeks since I did my first mini-chop, and since then, I have cut my hair twice even shorter! It's not a super great picture, but it's pixie cut-ish- tapered short in the back and sides, and full at the top. 

Having no hair has been such a fun adventure thus far and has made my mornings quite easier. I no longer have to run around the house like a wild animal- scavenging for bobby pins, ponytail holders, and prying my sock bun out of Ollie's mouth. 

I told myself before I cut my hair that I would not spend hundreds on hundreds of dollars on hair products. I'm a firm believer that in most cases, more money does not equal more quality. I'm definitely in the trial and error stage of what works best and currently am only wearing wash-n-go styles. I know my regimen and products will change as my hair grows, but here is what has been working for me so far!

1. I use Trader Joe's coconut oil for EVERYTHING. It's especially amazing as an eye makeup remover, and it very nice at sealing in moisture for my hair.

2. I have recently stopped regularly shampooing my hair and am testing out co-washing. I found this Tea Tree Tingle conditioner at Trader Joe's for $3.99 and decided to give it a try. It's more awesome than the price.

3. I was using Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner before I cut my hair, so this is what I'm using since I had it around the house (and we all know it's a little pricey, so I'm not for wasting it!). I really do like it and it keeps my hair pretty soft!

4. I have frizzy, 3B/3C-ish hair and defining my curls is a bit of a hassle. I don't use both these products together, but I have found that both of these products, Eco-Styler Gel with Olive Oil  and Cantu Curling Custard, define and hold my curls.


If you have any advice on products or helpful hints from your hair journey, I'd love to hear about them!

xoxo