Protective style #1

Box Braids.

Simple, effective, and the big ones are not only safer for your hair but take less time! #impatientteenrighthere! 

I decided not to do the 3 week time limit on this and try a 6 week limit. I'm at my 5th week currently writing this post and I couldn't be anymore excited to get them off. 

They probably look medium size to you but they're kinda medium-big.(not huge or jumbo obviously) That picture was taken 5 weeks ago and this one is now. 

My new growth ends where I put my finger. You probably can't tell but I gained about 1/2 inch. My goal was 1 inch a month, but I'll take whatever I can get! If I used the castor oil everyday, I think I could've come closer to my goal. I only used it before wash days because it would make my scalp itch. Now that my scalp has apparently gotten used to it, I'm more free to use it every other day, but I still have to wash my braids once a week because it starts to itch. I don't really mind washing my braids like I wash my hair (once a week).

I like braids because it allows me to focus on my new growth and get it strong and growing. When I'm wearing my natural hair, I feel like I neglect my new growth and care more for my ends. 

While in box braids, I moisturize( with water and mix of castor oil in the spray bottle) then I seal (Proclaim Natural 7 Oils or something like that) It's the yellow bottle not green. It has Castor Oil as its second ingredient. But any oil especially coconut, olive, or castor can be great sealants. I apply oil to my scalp(castor on days before wash days and KeraCare Dry Itchy Scalp on other days. And castor oil is the third ingredient in that) I shampoo with my cheapy Vo5 Moisture Milks Shampoo and deep condition with Aussie 3 Minute.

*None of these products are my staples. When I'm in braids, I take advantage of finishing up products that I don't use during my natural days. It's not that they have never worked, but its probably that some other product worked better. Plus, all these products are cheap because I don't like to waste money when I'm on braids(what for?) If it gets the job done, it gets it done! 

Essie

Protective Style/Low Manipulation Challenge

If you're familiar with blackhairinformation.com (one of my favorite hair websites), you would know that they're currently doing a protective styling challenge. Inspired by many hairlistas on YouTube who've done similar challenges, I decided to join. It's all about length retention and right now being between shoulder and arm pit length, I need all the retention I can get! Growing hair isn't hard if you know what your hair likes and protective styling is something my hair loves! (if I moisturize right) 

Anyways I blab too much. Here's the point: I'll have a protective or low manipulation style for minimum 3 weeks and let the 4th week be freestyle. (But no heat!!) I'll use my staple products: 

Shampoo- Cream Of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate-Free Moisture and Shine Shampoo

Conditioner- Cream of Nature Argan Oil Intensifying Conditioner ; Cream Of Nature Moisture Extreme Conditioner; Suave Professionals Shea Butter and Almond Conditioner

Leave-ins- Cream Of Nature Argan Oil Moisture and Shine Leave-In ; Cream of Nature Perfect 7 (for those curls!)

Oils- Castor Oil(sealing, scalp for growth) ; Peppermint Oil (scalp messages) ; Coconut  oil (pre-poo, shine during weekdays)

Other- Honey (pre-poo mask)

Just trying to keep it simple. I didn't take a picture of my length before I started but I can tell you that my new growth is coming in pretty well with that castor oil!! (I've only been using it for a month and already see results!) So I'm expecting big or should I say long things with this challenge. If you haven't tried CON products, then you need to!! I also tried their sulfate shampoos and they work exceptionally well! That hair line does not disappoint. Try to find a shampoo and conditioner that not only add moisture but eventually overtime reduce breakage. If you can get your hair not to break in the shower, you are one step closer to length retention!

Essie

Intro

Welcome, to all my readers!

To start off, I'm currently 16 years old and on a hair journey. I've been on a hair journey since the 7th grade, but took a break in the middle and stuck to my good ole' protective box braids. In the long run, they only helped me gain a few inches. It's not until I learned to moisturize my hair under my braids that I started seeing growth. And the importance of taking care of your new growth peeping out of the braids! It makes the difference. (trust me!) I have 4-something hair. Probably towards the 4b/c. And I'm relaxed, haha:)

So over the years I've realized what works and what doesn't work for my hair. And I do have a bunch of staple products(which is important because you don't want to be always trying to find products, you need to know what works) I also have a cheap regimen for teens on a budget. Some months my monthly pocket money isn't sufficient and if you have some good cheap products, they'll be life savers!

I realize there are so much African-American hair blogs out there and there's advice coming from every direction! So just take a deep breath and find out what works for you!

Essie