by Krystal (First Wave) aka Kaligirl1980

So this journey has been great for me. My overall goal is mid-back length, but there is no way that would have happened in 6 months with hair that was barely shoulder length straightened when we started. I started at just above shoulder length and I am now halfway between shoulder length and armpit length. If we do another GOC, my goal will be armpit length straightened. I think I’m well on my way to achieving mid-back length. Maybe I’ll reach mid-back length in 2 years. I’m not going to discuss my weight loss goals because I went backwards after my foot surgery; however I do believe that I managed to add muscle by following the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD. It’s hard work, but those 20 minute circuit progressive workouts are great.

7/28/11

Regimen and Routine Change:
Starting this natural hair journey, I went from using whatever worked in the past to only products for “natural” hair. I went from one end of the spectrum to the other. I think that I have found a great midpoint now when it comes to products, regimen and everyday styles. I started out trying to do twist outs, braid outs and protective styles. I have decided that really isn’t for me. My everyday styles are wash and go’s that last me 3 days and then, on the 4th day, I put it in a high ponytail. Doing so keeps me from having to manipulate my hair too much.

I still wash my hair once a week and co-wash midweek, but I’m not as concerned with the products that I use. I love Terressentials Mud Wash for cleaning my hair and I still use DevaCurl One Conditioner, but I also use Herbal Essense Hello Hydration for a conditioner. Instead of doing a lot as far as conditioning products are concerned, after I do a general co-wash in the shower and rinse with ACV, I put a little HE HH or One Conditioner in my hair and don’t rinse it out. My hair loves this method. I get a great curl pattern and I don’t have to worry about mixing up a KimmayTube Leave-In conditioner. It’s the perfect low maintenance regimen for me.

I still give myself Henna treatments monthly and straighten every other month so that my boyfriend and I can enjoy a different look. My hair feels well-conditioned all the time now that I leave rinse-out conditioner in it. A simple solution to buying 10 million products. I’m still trying protective styles, but that’s more for variety than to protect my ends. I’m also not as prone to single strand knots when I use this low manipulation method.

Weight Goals:
I’m continuing to focus on muscle strength and muscle mass, but that is a general goal for health reasons. I’ve added flexibility to my goals too since my hips have limited flexibility.

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