I told you all at the start of this journey that I’m not one for styling my own hair. It’s all about the wake up and go for me most days. I’ve taken to setting it with the pipe cleaners every four days for a bit more definition, finger raking and rolling out.
I think I’m waiting on it to grow out to a mid-range length and mature a bit before attempting to do more things with it. I’ve read about people coloring and hot curling at my stage. That’s just not how I want to treat my babies. Everythang ain’t for everybody.
So here is my half-hearted attempt to style it a bit before going out on the town. I swear the live version was better. The camera hates me these days. So nothing much to see here folks! More of just an update as to how they are progressing as I enter my second month.
Those spaces are still hanging in there. Surprises me a bit because I thought that was the thickest part of my hair. But it really doesn’t bother me because I never really look back there. It’s also filled in quite nicely since the beginning of my journey. I’ve also resolved myself to the fact that my hair will probably never have a manicured look for long after my re-tightenings because I’m spritzing daily with the essential oil and water to try to combat the dryness. It’s getting better already.
To help with build up, and after getting the okay from my consultant, I tried my first ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse after my bi-weekly wash the other day. I’m still washing with the Aveda shampoo. However, now I’ve added Aubreys Organic, a mild, non-creamy shampoo to the mix as well to help moisturize. Here’s the recipe I used:
- 1 qt distilled water
- 3 oz Bragg Organic Raw ACV (You can use any ACV. Just prefer all natural products in my hair)
- Approx 10-15 drops of rosemary/jojoba oil
The oil is optional. My consultant recommended that I add it and many of the recipes I found on the web also suggested it as well. Once you get a whiff of that ACV, you’ll see why. The oils definitely cut the smell. I prefer rosemary because my herbalist tells me it’s great for the hair. My consultant recommended it as well. You can also use tea tree, lavender, peppermint or any of the other essential oils that are good for natural hair. I’m working on growth and combatting dandruff so I’ll be stick with rosemary for a while.
I simply poured the mixture over my entire head slowly, (careful to avoid the eye area) massaged it in and then covered my hair with a plastic cap for about 5-7 minutes. If I had been doing this in the shower, I would have handled my other business and then rinsed it out with cold water, which I understand helps seal the shaft and promotes shine.
My hair did feel cleaner and my scalp looked good. Before washing, I used a rat tail comb to try to scratch up some of the build up and it cleared all of that up. I’ve read where some people complained about their hair smelling like ACV afterwards. I think the essential oil helped with that. I don’t smell it on my hair and I’ve not gotten any side eyes and wrinkled noses thrown in my direction so I think I’m good.
My consultant says I can only do this once a month so my next one will be before my next re-tightening towards the end of July. We’re waiting six weeks this time. Between that and the steam treatment with essential oils, my scalp issues should be on the mend!
I’ll be back with more random pictures and half-hearted styling attempts before then.


July 2, 2010 at 4:11 am
I’ve always been afraid to try the ACV rinse. I chose cleansing shampoos (Poo Bar, Talia’s green shampoo) and no conditioner…and just washing more often. But I never had a major build-up problem either. Better to nip the problem in the bud before it gets big.
RE: your styling — girl, I have 2 styles. loose ponytail and all down. Only on VERY special occasions will I do a braid out or curls. I’m all about wake-up-and-go!
July 4, 2010 at 7:21 am
You’re fortunate not to have build up. I knew it would be a problem before I locked. So far, the ACV seems to have helped. It’s been almost a week now and my hair doesn’t feel dried out and no snowfall so far. Think it will become a regular part of my routine.
I’m gonna need you to try some styles girl. Your hair is too beautiful not to get fancy on occasion! Once it grows and matures, I’m hoping to find someone who will style it in funky up-dos inexpensively at least once a month or so.
April 1, 2011 at 2:15 am
[...] I will be back with a reflection post with pictures. I was just looking at some pictures from the first few months and I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. As I told the woman I met the other [...]