Haven't really had much to update on as far as length because I'm still rocking my Crochet Braids.
Fun webcam picture for you all with my Harry Potter shirt (Absolutely LOVE me some Potter, Books and all).
It's been 3 weeks or so since I've put these in, and let me say that I am STILL enjoying them. I love them, I do. I feel a certain type of way, confidence wise. I'm not even going to lie, haha.
Meanwhile since last update I've Crochet my moms hair, and I'm trying my best to take my Supplements on the daily. I haven't been as strict my eating because well dammit it is the holiday season, come on now! lol
I was concerned that once my hair starts growing if it would ruin the style. I was also worried about how much build up would I get on my Scalp. How much DANDRUFF I would get since I am not actually washing my scalp, but doing the Witch Hazel Method of wiping the scalp with a cotton swap.
How dry would my hair be?
Well I've been Oiling my scalp with my JBCO Extra Dark, Avocado Oil, EVOO, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil w/Essential Oils mixture in a bottle and spraying my hair the best I can with Shea Moistures Moisture Mist spray they have.
I try to do this every other day.
My hair doesn't smell. I was putting Beautiful Textures Mousse on it every other day to help with the frizzing and to calm this Diana Ross/Chaka Khan hair DOWN, lol.
I haven't had any Flaking. My New growth actually lays down some of the hair since it's not sticking out at the braid from my scalp.
I will probably rock again for another week or two and then will take down my hair, Hot Oil Treatment, Shampoo, DC my hair and quite possibly Install my 2nd Crochet Braids.
I am very very pleased with myself on how my hair came out. I was so apprehensive but I am happy. I will keep it long.
Also, I organized my Cabinet, now to figure out what did I do with the Burdock Oil I bought!
It's getting colder. Much colder. I live in Northern Illinois. I can get quite cold here. Luckily with it just now hitting December it hasn't hit the peak of how cold it can get. I'm enjoying the High 30s for now. But regardless of the temperature, the air is dry as well. Cold + dry hair = Dry and Brittle Natural Hair, which is a No-No in anyone's book. One can easily say "just add more moisturizer/wash your hair more" Yeah, I'm sorry but you move slower in the colder weather and one just simply does not have time for that! The Less manipulation the better.
I want my hair to be Styled the Weekend before Thanksgiving. It was also my Birthday Weekend (Nov. 25th). I've done Marley Twists. Thought about doing them again but I don't like how my hair is still out in a way because it's twisted in the hair, I'm always messing with the twists and if the twists are dry, my hair is dry. Also, the Weighted of the hair, PULLING, tension, No no.
I thought about Box Braids, but it's the same concept. I thought about Cornrows but I don't look good with just hair plaited on my scalp. I came across Crochet Braids.
Now I NEVER had any type of loose weave, outside of a Wig. I've always had either Braids, Synthetic Dreads or Marley Twists. Never a Glue/Sew-In, No Tracks. And when I FIRST saw this style I thought it was one of those. Also saw someone saying these are backing a Comeback. Now people should KNOW that styles never die. Just because one loses it's popularity doesn't mean no one is wearing it at all!
Luckily we live in the days of the Internet and Youtube. I came across some Tutorials and I just LOVED the fact that I could Protect my hair, NOT have to add any glue to my hair and Rock this style! I love the fact that I could easily oil and moisturize my hair and scalp underneath the hair that is just Crochet through with a Latch Hook:
All you need is Bulk Hair of your Choice, A Latch Hook and Patience. Oh and maybe some Mousse if you bought some hair with Curls and to help soften them up when splitting them.
The hair I bought, Water Wave. Can get in Freetress or Model Model. Same name under both. I noticed that people seem to CUT the hair in half, so that it's shorter, also they buy less packs. I bought 6 Packs, 5 of a #2, one of a #30 I believe. I ended up needing 7-8 Packs of #2 because I DID NOT cut the hair and I just love me some big hair. Mind you it seems most people use 2-3 backs with it cut so I used triple.
I broke each twist into 2-3 pieces, Using the Mousse to smooth it out.
I am by all means, not the best Braider in the world, I don't cornrow my hair often. Think this is the 3rd time in maybe 4 years. It's not hard, I know, lol. I tried my best with my thick hair.
You noticed I didn't get all my hair on my edges because I didn't want that stress and actually me having them out and smoothed down HELP with the Natural look at the end.
I watched AfricanExport's Crochet Braid video on how she Latch Hooked her daughters hair.
Starting at the back of my head, which was the most complicated. Not only because it's hard to see the back of your head even with mirrors but because your hair, if your cornrow it back is now kinda in a cluster back there. You are trying to crochet your hair and cover it up back there.
Was almost done with my hair, you see how full the right side is.
Finished product.
How long did it take: With JUST The Crocheting Process, 8 hours. MIND YOU - This was my very first time doing these. I had a hard time with the back because I wasn't sure HOW I would crochet it but it ended up very cute and I love it.
Also getting them out is a BREEZE. You just cut slightly above the Knot, pull the Knot and it comes out, like nothing. So much better than braiding. So much better than twisting, lol.
I clean my Scalp with WITCH HAZEL on a Cotton Ball. I only use Oils on my scalp. No Butters. I spray my Cornrows with a Mist for added moisture.
Can keep for 1-2 Months. I would do a Month, then Hot Oil treatment, wash hair, deep condition and do again.
