Curl Acceptance?

I haven't posted lately because I haven't really been doing anything lately with my hair. I wash maybe twice a week. Nothing special in my routine - can't even use pink boots because it makes my hair too soft to survive sleeping on it. I've been doing my hair at night during the week because of school. It's good practice for student teaching this year, and I suspect for the rest of my career.

I do still lurk on nc.com, though I'm not posting as much as I used to. Someone asked the other day about what happens after you find your HG - are you content with what you have, or do you continue the search because so-and-so loves a new product? Honestly, I think I've reached the point where I've accepted my curl pattern and found products that make my hair look good. It's SO weird to come to this conclusion. The me of a year ago, heck even a few months ago, would never believe that I have reached this point. I used to think people were crazy for abandoning the boards and testing new products (and in some cases I was right - what with all the new techniques and texture/porosity discussion).

I've been a curly all my life (well, minus the first two years when I was bald). I've accepted it all my life. That doesn't mean though that I always knew how to take care of my hair, and finding nc.com was a godsend for that problem. For the past year, curly hair and the science behind it has consumed my mind. Now, not so much. I don't feel the need to wash everyday; to keep trying and trying to achieve maximum curl; to achieve perfect multiple day hair.

And I'm guessing that means I've finally accepted my hair as is - and that's a wonderful thing.

This doesn't mean that I'll stop blogging or posting on nc.com; far from it. I've just come to this realization lately, and thought I would share. It's a big moment!

Summer School

Today was the beginning of the second session of summer school. And even though I'm stuck in class for four hours (2 hour lab followed directly by the 2 hour lecture), it's not all bad... yet.

My biology professor is a curly! Think Lorraine Massey, but much better!

And today we learned about the "important molecules," which include lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins (there's a fourth, but we didn't get to it today)! I knew pretty much everything she talked about related to proteins solely because of my curl knowledge! How cool is that?

There was an interesting discussion on the structure of proteins and what can change them. Proteins are functionally dependent on their structure, and this has awakened the inner geek in me. It took a while, but it's here! I'm wondering if I do something to change the structure of a protein, if it will stop the effect it has on my hair and allow me to use products I normally wouldn't be able to use.

That goes down a whole other road. I have a major headache right now, so am not thinking about or looking to experiment anytime soon, but it's an interesting thought.

Bouncing Back

Just a quick update - this morning I decided to use Curl Junkie's Curl Assurance Leave-In as my rinse-out. It has some oils in it, but I'm going to shampoo again anyway after my GVP Conditioning Balm gets here. My curls are much better today. There is a little frizz in the back, but it's curling again and there are a few ringlets.

Speaking of shipments, Sally's website is out of Lustrasilk. So my order shipped without it. I may go down to my store and see if they have it. Of course I would go to the store after all this!

I'm officially out of my dorm. Very happy about that!

Lustrasilk On Sale at Sally's

Yes, I caved and bought online. So what?

Since I was already on the site, I decided to check out Lustrasilk's Shea Mango conditioner. I didn't have an amazing experience with the Olive Oil version, but I decided to try it for a few reasons.

1. I didn't experiment much with it after that inital testing.
2. The weather has changed dramatically since then (dews are a whopping 60 degrees higher, lol)
3. Curlies with the same texture/porosity as me did quite well with it
4. It's on sale for $1.99
   

Less than $2 for a giant tub - I'm sold!

I know it's semi-hypocritical/probably stupid to purchase since it does contain oil and I did just shampoo for the second time in two months due to oil build-up problems, but... it's $2! And hopefully the shea butter balances it out.

Here's to hopefully fast shipping!

I'm also on the lookout for a new dryer/diffuser. My first one started acting up in October (it was four years old, but I had only used it for four months at that point). I bought another Revlon dryer (different model) and have been happy until now. I have to reset it at least twice every time I plug it in, which is followed by a burning smell for a second or two, and then it gets very hot. So I've been sort of looking around. I want to get a better one that will last me longer than a few months. There is a GVP dryer on sale at Sally's, but it's less wattage than the one I have now. Not sure how much of a difference that will make. So we'll see.

And Once Again, I'm Reminded...

of how much my hair HATES sulfates! I cannot believe I used to do this on a tri-weekly basis! My poor hair!

I shampooed yesterday to get rid of oil build-up.

Not pretty.

At.

All.

It's actually embarrassing. My hair will be in a bun for the next few days (perhaps with a secret DT) until it recovers.

Thankfully my new bottle of KCKT and some duckbill clips will be here by then. I have a new bottle of V05 for my co-wash - blackberry sage tea - but have still not made it to sally's. Part of me is embarrassed to go in there with hair like this (ok, most of me). I may cave and order online... is that sad?

On a more positive note, this is my LAST WEEK living in a dorm! From now on, I'll be home with a regular bathroom with a regular electrical outlet strategically placed near a mirror. Finally.

Allergic to Suave

Sorry I've been MIA for a while. Between school, visiting family, and an underwhelming birthday, I've been busy. In hair news, the repeated use of BB's Smoothie has finally built up on me. My hair is frizzy when wet and not curling as well as I know it can. It only has a small amount of palm oil in it, so I'm now weary of all oils. I was thinking about taking advantage of the 4th of July sales and getting some of the CJ DT, but I really don't want to spend that much on something that might make my hair look worse. Thankfully I have not used any of the samples I got from KM. That would have been a waste.

I'm so in need of conditioner right now, it's crazy. I'm out of V05, so I used Suave Lavendar for yesterday's co-wash. BAD IDEA. I stopped using Suave conditioners a few weeks ago, thinking it was contributing to my allergic reactions after getting out of the shower. I was right. By the time I had finished co-washing yesterday, some hives and red patches had popped up on my back. I'm not sure what it is about those conditioners (maybe a preservative?) but it's bad.

I'm also out of a rinse-out - well technically I have some of BB's Smoothie left, but I don't feel a great need to finish it. I wish I liked it, but unfortunately I don't. I think that about Jessicurl as well. Sigh. But I've been meaning to pick up some GVP Conditioning Balm for a few weeks now (!) and just haven't gotten around to it. Today or tomorrow for sure!

And of course, I'm thisclose to being done with my first bottle of KCKT. It lasted six months - that's a good thing right?

Off to do some shopping - happy 4th, everyone!