Category Archives: Seventh Wave

Jan10

December GOC Update: CJ

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December GOC Update: CJ

by CJ (Seventh  Wave)

Now that I’ve found products that work, I think things are going great! I alternate Aveda’s Be Curly Shampoo and Curl Junkie’s Daily Fix. I use Curl Junkie’s Beauticurls Strengthening Conditioner as a rinse out and the Beauticurls Leave-in. I twist/braid my hair wet and seal with Qhemet Biologics Burdock Butter Root Cream. Other than the spray bottle of Aphogee leave-in (which I used for the braid-out in the picture), I haven’t made a purchase for a minute. Granted, I haven’t felt comfortable enough to actually wear my hair like this out of the house yet … but one step at a time.

I’ve also started working out again … twenty-five push ups every night with my play sister (who lives near Savannah). Thank God for phones and skype! I plan on easing back into running and yoga starting on Monday.

I go for my trim next week … we’ll see how much she has to take off. Pray for me.

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Girl, you better stop playing and wear that braid out OUT the door!! It looks totally cute!! It’s so awesome reading about the progress each of you are making!!

If you would like to see ALL of the updates of any of our GOCers, just enter their name in the “Search” box on the right ——->>>>! The results will return all of their updates (and guest posts) since the beginning of the GOC!! See where it all began and how they’ve progressed over the last 5 months!

Dec6

November GOC Update: CJ

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November GOC Update: CJ

by CJ (Seventh Wave)

*Hangs head in shame*
“My name is CJ and I am a product junky.”

So after what will forever be referred to as, “The Keracare Natural Textures Fiasco,” I’m working on reviving whatever life might be left in my ends. I don’t know exactly what it was about the KNT line (my hair LOVES “regular” Keracare). On day one, with the KNT Leave-In and Defining Custard, everything was great! My hair was soft and had movement. I even got second day hair! Something that NEVER EVER EVER happens. But then, when I co-washed and tried the combination again, it was a no go. My hair was hard and my ends! *weeps softly* My ends felt like I’d run them through a paper shredder. I was too afraid to try the Twist and Define Cream.

This meant that I was back to Giovanni Leave-In and Olive Oil until my black Friday haul from Darcy’s Botanicals arrived. Before that could happen, I discovered a Beauty Supply store that I didn’t know existed in a nearby shopping center. I walked in the Sunday after Thanksgiving and I swear it was like walking through the gates of Natural Hair Beauty Supply Store Heaven. The angels sang and wept. I know I had tears of joy in my eyes. This one store (Freestyle Beauty Supply, 6198F Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312) had natural hair care products for days! Curl Junkie, Hair Rules, Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Miss Jessie’s, Keracare (“regular” and Natural Textures), Curlz, Qhemet Biologics, Kinky Curly and other lines I’d never heard of. I stopped myself at 3 purchases: Jamaican Black Castor Oil (I wasn’t sure if there’s a difference between this and regular castor oil, but luckily there are differences), Qhemet Biologics Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee and Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream.

Qhemet Biologics are amazing! After washing, I “grease” my scalp with the JBCO, detangle with the Ghee, then twist with the BRBC. The twists stay under a scarf and hat, unless I have to look presentable. Then, I put the hair into two French braids. My hair is so happy, my scalp non-itchy and I believe that my ends have recovered. And I think that my hair’s actually grown some (Of course this could all be another false start like with the Keracare). But this time, I’m OFFICIALLY not buying any new products until after I run out of the Qhemet Biologics. Should, God forbid, Qhemet fail, I have my Darcy’s Botanicals products to turn to.

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LOL! You had me laughing throughout this update CJ!! Thank goodness you’re on the path to recovery! Now, dang it all to heck that I don’t live anywhere near Alexandria, VA!! That BSS sounds like Natural Hair Nirvana! Well, I guess it’s a good thing I’m 6 or so hours away in NJ, because I might go into debt living anywhere in the vicinity of that place!

Nov21

October GOC Update: Michelle aka Mickey

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October GOC Update: Michelle aka Mickey

Mickey (Seventh Wave)

Hey y’all!!! Hows everyone’s hair doing??? Well, for the month of October, I did not straighten my hair at all!!! YEA!!! I think I may have perfected my twist and CURL!! HEY NOW!!!

I also did mini twists, with rods on the ends and I wore it like that for a few days, then took them down and wore my hair out, then bunned for the rest of the time!!! I’m loving my natural hair. I plan to straighten before Thanksgiving for a trim :( .

HAPPY GROWING LADIES!!! 

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Looking good Mickey!! Curly hair suits you! Love the TnC and the twists!! 

Oct14

September Update: Michelle aka Mickey

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September Update: Michelle aka Mickey

Mickey of the Seventh Wave gives us her GOC status update and … what’s this? A Got Skills question! 

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Day one of twist and curl. GO BEARS!!! Big football fan! :)

So … I have been a bad girl. My birthday was September 25th, so I got my hair straightened! BUT, I plan to wear twists for the next few months!! I plan to do a trim in January, because I think I still have a little perm on my ends *smh*!! They just won’t curl!! So off they go!!! I hope my hair is to somewhat mid-back length by JANUARY!!!

 SO … my regimen has stayed the same. I try not to wash my hair every week, but I get dandruff. Any suggestions to help my dandruff situation? I am planning to try Jane Carters Scalp Renew?? It’s a bit pricey, but Ive heard good things.

Day 2 TnC

(P.S. I want to try Senegalese twists with hair added. I know, I know … my hair is super thick and  long. I’m just scared of breakage and how long it will take!!! Has anyone tried them?)

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I’ve never had a dandruff problem, but I have had a dry, flaky scalp and Neutrogena T-Gel worked very well for me. However, I am definitely not an expert in this area. So, probably best to seek the advice of a professional or someone else who has successfully dealt with controlling/eliminating dandruff. Any takers??

Sep15

GOC Update: Luv.Lyfe

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GOC Update: Luv.Lyfe
Luv.Life (Seventh Wave) tells us about her efforts to combat dryness and excessive shedding.

My same old bun after a bit of finger detangling.

by Luv.Lyfe of My Lyfe My Growth

Here’s my update!

Fitness:

My fitness program has almost been nonexistent; however, I have kept up with good eating habits … for the most part :) . Not much to say in this area, but I will get it together!  My fitness regimen will be improved by the next update!

Hair:

I have spent this time trying to learn my hair and I’ve done all that I can to get to know these strands of mine. I figure it makes sense to learn it before I can grow it to my goal length. Well this was a costly lesson. I have had to deal with some serious shedding and excessive dryness. I then read somewhere that shedding can be caused by dry hair.  Duh!!!! Well, it now made sense to me as I had noticed my hair was very, very dry. I attributed it to the henna treatments (I’ve done three in four weeks) and thought it came with the territory. Although I deep conditioned after every henna, my hair was always strawlike after each treatment. To combat the dryness, I deep conditioned and applied Kimmaytube, sealing with different oils (jojoba oil, coconut oil or olive oil), but nothing helped with the excessive shedding or the horribly dry hair I dealt with on a daily basis.

After reading the post regarding moisturizing to combat shedding, I decided to try something new until I find a good leave-in conditioner. I pre-poo with coconut oil, then co-wash with Aussie Moist or Herbal Essence Hello Hydration once or twice a week. It may sound weird, but I am using a shea butter and HE HH mixture as a leave-in and it has helped tremendously. Until I can find a good leave in, HE HH is working just fine this week.  I’m not sure if it will prove to be a benefit in the long run, but I love the way my hair feels now.
By the way, I am beginning to see the the effects of the henna.  Luv it!
Let’s grow!!!

A failed flat twist :-(

Back to my bun shortly after a co-wash.

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Glad you’ve found something that is working to restore moisture to your hair Luv.Lyfe! Did the dry hair start after you began using henna? If so, what type of deep conditioner and daily conditioner were you using? Were either protein-based? Those might contribute to dry, brittle hair. Also, not everyone does well with henna. But you indicated that you are starting to see the results! What are you experiencing?

Has persistently dry hair been your Albatross? Were you able to remove the bird from around your neck? If so, what do you think was causing the dryness and what did you do to fix it?
Do tell!! 

Sep10

GOC Updates: Corinne

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GOC Updates: Corinne

Prepare to be blown away by this Seventh Wave GOCers August update!!

C o r i n n e

I will be 32 years old next month and I have never … EVER … had short hair. Short to me was shoulder length. I have been without a relaxer for 2 years now. However, for about 1 year, I was getting Dominican blowouts and I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread! It wasn’t until I really became interested in natural hair and the health of my hair that I realized my texture had changed. I really didn’t notice until I looked at some old pics of my hair before the blowouts.

My hair had gone from ringlets to waves. I was like, “What the heck?!?!” Things changed again when I tried henna. I loved the way my hair felt, but those waves turned into bone-straight tresses!! So, I have been saying that I’m just gonna cut it off in the new year. So, I do my bantu knots, twist and curls … and my hair is not doing what I want it to do. The roots look fab, but the length/ends look weak!

I will never forget the day I drove to a Hair Cuttery for my 15 buck hair cut. I tell the lady that I want  my hair cut short. She tells me it’s too long for her to cut “that short!” I guess she didn’t think I was serious, so she only cut it to my shoulders and put layers in. I kept telling her shorter, shorter … she said I should cut it gradually. So, needless to say, I left mad because I had psyched myself up to get it all cut off and I had left not doing that.

I go home and wash my hair to see if I still had the straight ends … I do!! To make matters worse, I’m looking in the mirror and I hear a rumble. Then the earth beings to quake!!! Really!! An earthquake on the day I decide to cut my hair!! This must be a sign!! LOL.

Well, I still didn’t like it, so it took me a little more time to work my way into another salon and I told the stylist I want to take it off. She starts cutting around the ends … I say, “No, I want you to take it ALL off. I want all the straight ends off!!!” After all the, “Girl, why are you cutting all that hair off,” “Girl, people pay for your type hair,” and “Girl, I can’t believe you are doing that,” I was ready to take the scissors and cut it myself! When the stylist saw that I was serious, she began to cut … and I felt like a weight had been lifted. I refused to leave another salon without my hair gone!! I got my hair cut the day before my 5 year wedding anniversary! My husband was surprised to say the least, but he knew I was going to do it eventually! I love it and, most importantly, I have my curls back!!  My goal is to be heat free. I saw first hand the damage it can cause. I may still use my hooded dryer … but I want to be totally heat free for a year. So that’s my BC story! It is the best decision I have ever made in my hair life! Thanks for reading!!!

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LOL @ the “Girl, why you cutting all that hair off ” and “People pay [good] money for hair like yours.” I’ve heard that before!

Awesome story Corinne!! That was inspiring!! And, you look great!! Congratulations on you BC and best of luck on your journey back to healthy curls! Can’t wait to see what your hair looks like at the end of the challenge!!

Did you BC? At a salon? What was your experience like?
(If you want to get detailed, send in your BC HairStory by answering the questions found here! Don’t forget to send in before and after pics!!)


Sep5

GOC Updates: Michelle aka Mickey

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GOC Updates: Michelle aka Mickey

Next up, a quick length check update from the GOC Seventh Wave:

Michelle aka Mickey of Happily Natural

August 18, 2011

Had to get my hair straightened for a special occasion. Here is a length check.

Here are pics of two previous length checks.

June 19, 2011

March 22, 2011

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That’s some good growing Mickey!!

Aug5

GOC Contenders – The Seventh Wave

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GOC Contenders – The Seventh Wave
R o t a u g i a   M a t h e w s - P o p e

Current State: Hair – Approx. an inch past collarbone length (CBL)

Goals:  Hair - Grow and retain 3″ of healthy hair; Health & Fitness – Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly

Hair Regimen: I just completed the Terressentials Detox. I am going for a natural/minimalist approach. I may add a leave-in and/or styler back into my regimen.  In the past I used Giovanni Leave-In and Shea Moisture Organic Curl and Style Milk.

Weekly:

  • Wash with Terressentials Left Coast Lemon Pure Earth Hair Wash
  • Condition with DIY Honey and Olive Oil Deep treatment

Daily:

  • Style: Mist n’ Go Pony Puff

Monthly:

  • Henna

Products:

  • TERRESSENTIALS Left Coast Lemon Pure Earth Hair Wash
  • DIY honey and olive oil
  • DIY mist: aloe vera gel and water, with essential oils
  • shea butter
  • Vatika, grapeseed, olive or  jojoba oil
  • flaxseed gel

Health and Fitness Regimen:

  • Maintain a vegetarian diet outside of home
  • Eat vegan at home
  • Exercise for at least 30 min., 4x a week

Reward:  I will allow myself to indulge in retail therapy at Amazon, Sony Reader, iTunes or another establishment of my choice for every 2 weeks that I meet my goals.

Journal: I will continue to maintain a written journal I started a couple of months ago.

T i f f a n y   J.

Current State: Hair – Collarbone length (CBL) with a front, middle section that was cut 2″ shorter due to heat damage; Weight – 160 lbs w/BMI of 26.6

Goals: Hair –  Bra-strap length (BSL) and increased thickness through growing out section that was cut 2″ shorter than rest of hair; Weight – 120-130 lbs (Lose 30-40 pounds)

Hair Regimen:  I plan to add half wigs to my regimen, but I’m still doing my research.

Weekly:

  • Co-wash once a week and after my workouts
  • Deep condition once a week
  • Stretch with flat twists outs
  • Wear a protective style 4 days a week

Alternate nights:

  • Moisturize and seal with oil

Monthly:

  • Shampoo

Every 6 Weeks:

  • Henna gloss and indigo every 6 weeks

Weight Loss Regimen: I get bored just being in the gym and need variety to stay on track.

Exercise:

  • Exercise at gym 3x a week
  • Attend a group class, do a DVD workout or an outdoor activity 3x a week
  • 1 day of rest

Diet:

  • Balanced, low-fat/good fat meals
  • Avoid fast and junk foods

I know that I’m going to slip-up, especially on date nights. But I’ll make sure that I get back on track instead of making the slip-ups a permanent thing.

Rewards: It’s ironic that I found this challenge, because I just started a challenge with my boyfriend. I told him that if I lose 30lbs by my 24th birthday in December I would get a nose ring. He hates nose rings (not to point that we’d break up if I got one, though). So, it’s a big deal that he agreed. I want a nose ring, but I’m getting a doctorate in physical therapy and I don’t think that it would be too professional in the field. So instead, I may just go on a well deserved shopping spree because I love shopping.

Follow me online: http://ilovebreakfastatiffanys.tumblr.com/ (I may update on my journey, but I can’t make any promises.)

C o r i n n e

Current State: Hair – Just below bra-strap length (BSL) and heat damaged due to Dominican blowouts

Goals: Hair – Improved health by transitioning out heat damage; Weight – Lose 30 pounds in 6 months

Hair Regimen:

  • DIY oil pre-poo mix
  • Shampoo my hair with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration (HE HH)
  • DIY leave in-mix
  • DIY shea butter mix

Bi-monthly (every 2 months):

  • Henna gloss (henna relaxed curls, so I now gloss instead of doing full strength treatments)

Weight Loss & Fitness Regimen:

  • Walk
  • P90 Insanity
  • Drink more water

Reward: Shopping!! No further explanation needed!!

Follow me online: Facebook album (link TBS)

C o i l y R o b

Current State: Hair – Chin length/CL (front), almost armpit length/APL (back); Weight – 135 lbs

Goals:  Hair – Grow and retain 3″; Weight – 120 lbs (Lose 15 lbs) 

Hair Regimen:  I’ll start by trimming my hair. It will be my first trim in 2 years :( . I will probably end up with approximately 10″ of hair.

Weekly:

  • Wash
  • Deep condition
  • Wear protective styles the majority of the time

Daily:

  • Moisturize

Weight Loss Regimen: My goal is to lose 2 lbs a week until I reach my goal around September 26th. From there, I will continue to modify my eating and will exercise regularly. I hope to maintain my weight through the end of the challenge. 

  • Exercise 6 – 7x per week
  • C25K 3 days/wk
  • Kettlebell 2 days/wk
  • Zumba or other exercise DVDs 1 – 2 days/wk
  • Weight Watcher Points Plus system
  • Weigh in with WW every Monday

Reward: When I reach BSL, I will have my hair professionally blow dried and flat-ironed in Manhattan (hair); It would be a huge reward to be able to fit into my clothes again. I also want to treat myself to a pair of skinny, straight leg jeans (weight).

Journal: I will maintain a weekly written journal.

M i c h e l l e  aka  M i c k e y

Current State: Hair – Between armpit (APL) and bra-strap length (APL)

Goals: Hair – mid-back length (MBL); Health & Fitness – Eat healthier and exercise regularly

Hair Regimen:

Weekly:

  • Wash or co-wash with Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Shampoo or Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
  • Condition and detangle with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration (HE HH)
  • Deep condition with JessiCurl Weekly Deep Conditioner
  • Apply Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In
  • Apply Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Curl and Style Milk to hair in four sections
  • Seal ends with shea butter
  • Style: Twist and curl or braid and curl for 2- 3 days
  • Bun for rest of week

Health and Fitness Regimen: 

  • Exercise 2x a week
  • Drink 8 glasses of water a day
  • Eat healthier
  • Take Women’s One-A-Day vitamin daily

Reward: Cute Hair accessories, curlmart purchase!

(I complete Grad School: Dec 2011! EXCITED!)

Follow me online: http://happilynatural.blogspot.com/ (It’s under construction and I’m new to this, but come check it out! :) )

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Okay ladies, one more wave to go (with 7 contenders)!! How did you do week one?