nappylove

Box Braids, Qhemet, Sulphur, Henna, chicken fat...

Well.  I'm still wearing these box braids, and I think I like them.  I've washed them fifty times in the three weeks or so I've had them and they are super fuzzy.  They remind me of all the best things about my locs, I can wash them any time I want, I don't have to "deal" with the detangling and all that.  But they're not locs, I don't have to retwist and since I'm starting to miss my loose naps, I take comfort in knowing I can take them out any time I want. Thanks to Qhemet's Olive Cream Conditioner they are hydrated and soft, my hair feels great.

Speaking of Qhemet, I LOVE the Detangling Conditioner, she would have had me at the coconut scent anyway, but it really does hydrate my hair like NOTHING I've ever used.  I used a little and took down a few of my box braids today and I was surprised at how easy it was for me to pick them apart.  Can't wait to use it on my entire head.  Now, the Olive and Honey Balm, I don't know...I'm not really feeling it.  I used some for my daughter's twists this past weekend.  It's very thick and viscous, actually reminded me of honey, which I normally use to twist her hair anyway, so I'm thinking...I could save $10-12 bucks and just use honey. I'll use what I have, but I don't see myself purchasing that again.  I'm thinking about getting my sister some of the Detangling Conditioner, but I am afraid of what might happen when that package gets to my house.  It just may not make it under the tree, if you know what I mean.

Oh yeah, the sulfur. I decided to see if I could find some sulfur since it's known for promoting hair growth.  I already have water-soluble MSM, but I wanted to get some stanking yellow sulfur so I could do an oil/butter maceration.  I may have called every pharmacy in the Akron/Cleveland area.  The reaction was always the same-- "Do we have what?  Sulfur?" They acted like they'd never heard of it. I was just about to order it from Amazon (which I did NOT want to do, since I would have to pay disproportionally expensive shipping costs), I decided to call the raggedy, bootleg Ritzman pharmacy down the street from Mama's.  And they had it!  I was so surprised.  I should stop underestimating that raggedy, bootleg little pharmacy.  Anyway, got the sulfur, mixed it with a few oils (the usual suspects, olive, castor, jojoba) and shea butter. I added some eo's in an attempt the mask the smell of rotten eggs.  Didn't work, so the sulfur is still rank, but I'm trying to get used to the smell. I *think* my hair has grown since I've been using it these past two weeks, but since it's in braids, I can't really tell.   

I probably didn't mention that I've been wanting to try a henna treatment instead of Aphogee.  I ordered some henna from From Nature with Love.  I've done hours of internet research (also Mehandi and the Nappturality forums).  We'll see what happens.

 

Ooh, Mr. Mailman, I could kiss you!!!

Got my Qhemet today.  I ended up just getting the Olive Cream Conditioner & Detangler and the Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm.  The detangler smells so good, just like fresh coconuts.  I can't wait to try them out. 

I finally washed my hair after my ill-fated trip to the salon last week.  I got a lot of compliments on the twist-out, but my scalp was itching so badly, I couldn't wait to wash it.  My hair was so tangled afterward, I seriously doubt that it had ever been that tangled, even after I combed my locs out.  It was ridiculous and I was almost in tears as I slathered on half a bottle of Trader Joe's and sat down to detangle.  After all that drama, I decided to try box braids again.  Took me 5 hours and I didn't finish until 3 am (got a late start).  I was a lot more careful with the braiding and they came out a lot better than the other two times I attempted this style.  So they'll be in until next month, and then I'll probably do it all over again.

Liv is going to start swimming every Tuesday for gym.  I really wish she didn't have to. First of all, it's already cold outside; secondly, I do her hair on the weekend, and I don't want to have to rewash it on Tuesdays.  I twisted her hair this past Sunday with Qhemet's Olive & Amla and a little honey.  They came out very nice, hopefully they'll last awhile.  I've been researching nappies that swim regularly and what they do to prevent the chlorine from damaging their hair.  Slathering Liv's hair with conditioner beforehand ain't exactly feasible, but I am going to get her a nice swimming cap and just take it a day at a time.

Is it wrong for me to go play in my Qhemet now?

The Product Junkie Rides Again...

My cursor is poised over the checkout link at Qhemet Biologics. So far I'm getting the Olive Cream Detangler and Conditioner and I think I may get the Soften and Hydrate Sampler.  I'm also ordering some herbs and butters and whatnot from Mountain Rose Herbs.  I may make some soap tomorrow, if I can find my lye.  I just stocked up on Trader Joe's Nourish Spa and Refresh conditioners, and if I don't go completely buck wild at Mountain Rose, I just might stop over at Oyin. 

I feel guilty. My head is still sore and I am not that tenderheaded.  All day I was thinking about how many strands of hair were prematurely ripped from my scalp and how many years it will take me to grow them back.  Live and learn, though, right?  I guess it took all this drama, and pain, to convince me that I really don't want to cut my hair.

I'm off to find some Tea Tree oil, I think I'm down to my last ounce.