Natural Hair Romance Vitamin Regimen for Growth!

One my close friends told me that she was going to start taking vitamins for hair growth.  She has been natural for about 1 year and has grown and retained about 5 inch of hair but she wants an extra little boost!  This made me think about my own vitamin regimen, which is practically nonexistent, since I forget to take them most of the time...lol.  Since I'm doing a 90 day Protective Style Challenge, I really need to focus on my nutritional and vitamin intake.  I decided to go through my hair closet and pull out some of my vits and these are the ones that I will take for the next month or so:

CVS Pharmacy Hair, Skin, & Nails with Antioxidants. (awesome reviews here): http://reviews.cvs.com/3006-en_us/460133/cvs-pharmacy-cvs-hair-skin-nails-tablets-with-antioxidants-reviews/reviews.htm

CVS Prenatal Vitamins with Minerals: I'm not pregnant but I do love taking prenatals when I start on a hair growth vit regimen. http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Prenatal-Vitamin-with-Minerals-Tablets?skuId=252577

The Vitamin Shoppe MSM 500 (wonderful for hair growth): http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1500

Do you have a vitamin regimen?  If so, what vitamins do yo take and why?

Protective Style #1 - 2 Under Braids...Very Simple Style!

I'm very picky when it comes to protective styles.  I refuse to do individuals or very small braids/twist.  They tend to cause more problems for my hair and scalp.

To kick of this challenge, my first protective style is 2 Under Braids...very simple! These were done by Kenya aka Kenny Coo for only $25.00.  She terrific at what she does and has some amazing work.  You can view her site and hairstyles here:  http://www.stylesbykennycoo.com/

My under braids are not tight and I will keep them in for 2 weeks. 

Oh yeah, I'm allergic to the coating on the Kanekalon hair so I always soak the synthetic hair in water and ACV (in the sink) for 20 to 25 minutes.  Then I rinse it off and spray the hair with a silicone based shine spray.  I let the hair dry overnight in front of a fan.  The hair always comes out very nice and shiny but minus the itchy scalp!

Weight Loss Update - I'm down 31 lbs...yay!

I have done a terrible job with updating my weight loss journey but here goes!

I lost 27 lbs quickly but put 16 lbs back on...I gain weight like crazy :-( But I got back on track and have maintained my healthy habits.  Just like everyone else, I have my share of setbacks.  I decided to set more short-term goals rather than just focusing on my long-term goal.  Below are some of my goals and stats

Total Weight Loss = 31 lbs.

Short-term goal = Lose 15 or more a month

Long-term goal = Weigh 150 lbs or less

Weight loss plan = 3 to 4 day Juicing; 3 Day Diet; and Calorie Counting.  I may use my remaining HCG as I near my goal weight.  I have been exercising 2x to 3x a week but I need to increase that.

Natural Hair Romance 90 Day Protective Style Challenge!!!

I recently cut about 2 inches off my hair because the ends were damaged and split.  It took me 4 months to grow those 2 inches and now I want them back and then some….lol.  Since my trim, I have been thinking of different ways that I can care for my hair without hardly any manipulation.   My overall goal is to grow my hair to waist-length with my “DREAM GOAL” being hip or classic length.  I hope to reach my WL goal in 2013!  I’m right at BSL, even after the trim but I still feel like I have a ways to go to reach my goal. 

I will be incorporating protective styling into my hair care regimen so I’m starting with a 90 day Protective Style Challenge for myself and anyone else who wants to join in!  :-)  The goal is to keep my hair in a protective style (PS) for 80-90% of the time over the next 90 days or 3 months.  I’m growing this head of hair OUT!  I will also eating a healthier diet, exercising, and taking vitamins.  I may also use some growth aids (MN mix and others). 

I’m not using products to grow my hair because care and handling is the most important thing for growth, when it comes to my growth and length retention.  However, I do use the “As I Am” product line (the leave-in, co-wash, and moisturizer), Elasta QP Cream Conditioning Shampoo, any Dominican deep conditioner, Rapunzal’s Hair of the Future Protein treatment, Proclaim Natural 7 Oil and other terrific natural oils (EVOO, EVCO etc)…and that is it.  I’m hoping to promote a faster growth rate and retain some more hair.

The Overall Protective Style Challenge: July 21, 2012 to October 19, 2012

• Protective Hairstyles +80% of the time
• Good simple products
• drink more water
• eat healthier foods
• take growth promotion vitamins and use growth aids
• Exercise

 If you want to join in or have any tips feel free to comment.  I'm definitely open to discussion.

 Hair BEFORE the 2 in trim

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 30

I know this is late...but like the saying goes "Better late than never"...:-)

Day 30 - Figure 8 Updo!!!

Make sure to check out Day 28 & Day 29 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 29

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 29!!!  Only 1 more days left!

Day 29 - Twisted Updo with Small Bump

Make sure to check out Day 27 & Day 28 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 28

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 28!!!  Only 2 more days left!

Day 28 - Twist Back & Roll Style

Make sure to check out Day 26 & Day 27 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

Week 2: Weight Loss Review!

Week 2: Weight Loss Review

Week 2 Wt. Loss =  8.4 lbs
Total Wt. Loss = 21.8 lbs

I did okay this week.  I cut my calories down way too low and my body went into starvation mode for a day or 2.  I increased my calories on the last few days and lost more weight.  I replaced my usual morning breakfast with my own special meal replacement shakes.  Next week on my 4 day off of the 3 Day Diet, I will be making Joan's Meal Replacement bars and my shakes to substitute some of my meals.

I incorporated exercise into my weight loss regimen this week...it was great!  I used the workout videos available on Netflix.  They have some pretty good stuff, especially the 10 Minute Solution, Pick Your Level Pilates, and Dance Off the Inches videos.  Each day I increase my workout time by 5 minutes.  I'm up to 40 min. so far...yay me!  My goal is to be able to workout 60 minutes a day or 30 min. in the morning and 30 min. at night. 

I'm still using the calorie counter through Calorie Count About to track my calorie intake each day. I love their program!  I can also keep track of my activity and weight.  I have 3 very cool and motivating supporters who provide me with good advice.  I'm also supporting a few people, even though I'm a newbie.

The major downside to this week is that I did not complete my 7 day cleans :-(  I will start back on it tomorrow and finish the reminder of the pills.  Either way, I'm excited about the weight that I'm losing.  My clothes fit better also and I have more energy!!!

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 27

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 27!!!  Only 3 more days left!

Day 27 - Braided Ponytail Updo

Make sure to check out Day 25 & Day 26 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 26

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 26!!!  Only 4 more days left!

I can't wait to shampoo, deep condition, and do all kinds of other sweet and special things to my hair...lol.

Day 26 - Flat Twist with Inverted Bun

Make sure to check out Day 24 & Day 25 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 25

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 25!!!  Only 5 more days left!

I really like this style and it is so easy to do!

Day 25 - 3 Plait Tuck & Roll Style

Make sure to check out Day 23 & Day 24 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

Free Hair Care Book by Author of The Science of Black Hair (Kindle)!

Just found out about a FREE hair care book by the author of The Science of Black Hair.....it is called: Hair Care Rehab - The Ultimate Hair Repair and Reconditioning Manual (valued at $9.99)

I already downloaded and my eyes are glued to the electronic pages!  Get yours too. I have included a book description below

You can visit this link to the book or click on the picture:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KQ6TN4/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 2012  

Dry Hair. Dandruff. Split Ends. When your hair reaches rock bottom it's time for a little rehab.
While we can't permanently undo the damage of the past, Hair Care Rehab: The Ultimate Hair Repair and Reconditioning Manual will give you the blueprint and tools you need to salvage and work with your stressed out hair.

Who is this book for? Everyone! Brunette, blonde, straight, wavy, curly, thick, fine-- no matter your hair situation, rehab has you covered!

This book takes readers through three phases of rehab:

The Intervention:
Discusses hair structure, type and form. Also defines hair damage, and teaches you how to work with overworked hair!
The Detox:
Presents a 5-Step strategy for hair repair that WORKS!
Hair Therapy:
Offers tips and solutions for 30+ common scalp and hair care issues.

If your relationship with your hair is on the rocks, get the rehab you need today with Hair Care Rehab.

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 24

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 24!!!  Only 6 more days left!

My new growth is in full effect...lol,

Day 24 - Twist & Bun Style with Bump

Make sure to check out Day 22 & Day 23 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

30 Days of Hairstyles for Straight Natural Hair - Day 23

The 30 hairstyles for straight natural hair in 30 days  is in Day 23!!!  Only 7 more days left!

Day 23 - Braided Bohemian Side Tuck with Bump

Make sure to check out Day 21 & Day 22 hairstyles for straight natural hair!  Make sure to visit Natural Hair Romance on Pinterest, Facebook , and Twitter.

And always remember to Love Your Natural Hair!

Weight Loss Journey: Week 2

Week 2: May 28 - June 3

Since I had success with the 3 Day Diet in Week 1, I will continue it in Week 2.  For 3 days I will follow the diet and then eat a low-calorie diet on the other 4 days.  I have been keeping my calories under 1200 per day on the "off-days".  Yes, I know that is low but I'm desperate to lose weight...just being honest :-)

10 to 14 cups of water a day is my goal and I'll drink green tea too.  Just like in Week 1, I will post everything I ate during the week at the end of the week...lol.

I will also be incorporating exercise into my journey this week.  I LOVE Netflix so I will use some of their workout videos.  The main one will be Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam with Michelle Dozois.