I started a “Healthy Hair Challenge” almost six months ago, in an attempt to nurse my hair back to health, after a long battle with color damage. Here’s what went down:

I ended up removing the color damaged hair. I was tired of  it. My hair looked pretty good, but it didn’t feel quite right. I knew my hair’s potential, and I wasn’t going to get there holding on to the last five inches of Feria color damaged hair. What a relief!

I’d originally thought I would avoid all heat. It sounded good, and I’m well aware of the risks that come with heat straightening. I preach about it,  often to deaf ears. However, my hair does better, with  the occasional use of a blow dryer/flat iron, particularly my ends.  It greatly reduces the number of knots I get.  So, when I decided to avoid heat altogether, I noticed an increase of knots (shortly after a trim, so I knew it wasn’t because my hair needed trimming). My #1 go to product for heat protection? Kerastase Ciment Thermique

I also discovered ayurvedic powders, cassia and henna. Henna is probably the best “conditioner” I’ve ever used, as far as increasing the strength, thickness and manageability of my hair. I have this really “rough” patch of hair, near my crown. It’s the driest/crunchiest area on my head, and henna made a noticeable difference, after just one application.  Amla, brahmi  and maka  (along with henna) are a regular part of my conditioning regimen.  That little “crazy sore scalp” section of my head is gone. AyurNatural Beauty is my source, for henna, cassia, indigo and herbal powders. The customer service is top-notch, and shipping is super fast!

As far as internal changes, I’m drinking more water and taking a multi-vitamin regularly.  I’m trying to eat better, as well. My stress level has gone down, and I’m much more relaxed.

So, after six months of TLC, I can say my hair has definitely improved!  My gallery pics show the last two months of the challenge. For those of you who “ran” with me, I hope you had the same positive results!

A Nappy Girl

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What it is: A protein-enriched “hair repair” product line
Price: $5-$7. The price varies. Check your local beauty supply.
Website: ApHogee

The Review:

I did NOT purchase these products. They were sent to me to try and provide feedback. I got them late last year, and I’m finally getting around to doing a review. I was a die-hard ApHogee product fan, in my relaxed days. The products were effective, inexpensive, and they never failed me.  I have good memories.

I used everything, except the Spritz & Shine Styling Spray.  I don’t really use holding spritzes, because my hair isn’t worn straight much.  I may use this in the future, or I may give it away.

I’m going to start with my favorite product, and work backwards.

• Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer
  This is my favorite product in the line,  hands down.  When I transitioned with braids, this was my savior.  I used it several times during the week, along with an oil-based braid spray. It kept my hair strong and helped prevent breakage and split ends.

  As a napptural, I use it when my hair is in twists,  as a leave-in underneath butters/creams (if I need some added strength from protein), and as a barrier against the heat of the blow dryer/flat iron.

• ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner
  It’s  lightweight, non-greasy and I’ve used it as a conditioning spray for twists, and as a leave-in, underneath styling products.  It helps to detangle and soften. It’s also great underneath the Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer, as another layer of heat protection. The only thing I don’t like is the bottle. It’s a liquid, and it needs a sprayer, not a flip cap.
• Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
  I don’t do heavy protein treatments, because I have no need for them. This product is just enough for when your hair needs the benefits of protein, but nothing heavy duty.  As the label says, it “adds strength and softness in one step”.  I agree.  After using it one time, my hair was noticeably stronger, but not dry or brittle.

  There’s also the 2-Step Protein Treatment, which is a heavy-duty protein, and I don’t recommend it, unless you have bad breakage. I used it as a relaxed head.

• Deep Moisture Shampoo
  I wasn’t too crazy about this one. It’s not a bad product, but it didn’t wow me. I think it’s a  low-lather shampoo…or I’ll just say I didn’t get much lather. I like lather. I know it’s not “necessary”, but I want lather.  It didn’t strip my hair (it does contain sulphates), but I have shampoos I like better.

Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about the line.  Whether you’re relaxed or natural, it’s effective, won’t break your wallet, and you can find it at your neighborhood beauty supply, as well as online.

A Nappy Girl

Final Answer:

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Yep…today I hit the 47-year mark. WOW! I’m almost 50 years old. Time flies, whether you’re having fun, or not..once you pass 30.

I had to work today, and I had a birthday party at work. My cake was phenomenal, don’t you think? It was tasty, too. The bottom layer was sour cream white cake, with peanut butter cream and strawberry preserves…”PBJ”. Delish…beyond words!   The Cake Box, did a wonderful job.

The top layer was red velvet, with cream cheese filling. I didn’t care for that one as much. Almost EVERY time I order any chocolate type cake, it’s  a tad dry. It seems difficult to make a really moist chocolate cake. I’m not a cake baker. I bake pies.

Anyway…it’s good to still be in the land of the living, and in good health and spirits. Once again, God has seen fit to let me see another birthday. Praise Him. I give thanks!

A Happy Nappy Girl

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Hey all you “Ayurvedic Nappturals”!
AyurNatural Beauty is having a store-wide 15% discount (see site for code).
There’s  also a weekly giveaway contest, open to Twitter, Facebook and blog subscribers, thru April 2nd.  Orders over $60 ship free!

Ekua  ships fresh, and she ships FAST!!! You know I quick shipping.
I’ve purchased the Hesh powders: Amla, Brahmi and Maka.

Be sure to stop by the site, and subscribe to win!

Here’s to happy, nappy hair!

A Nappy Girl

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Oooh…so much, so little time.  The site revamp is coming very soon. I’m still trying to find a new font.  Decisions are tough.

Beauty by Donna Marie created Super Butter Creme… more whipped, creamy, buttery stuff for kinks and koils!  I have a feeling I’m going to really this stuff.  I just know it.

I’m going to host another giveaway. Yep

See ya’ a little later…

A Nappy Girl

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