Hair Update #2

This is part two of my previous hair update.....just to recap, I am 50 weeks post relaxer/texlaxer.  I have not decided what my plans are.

Here are some additional pics:

New growth

Blow dried hair

Flat ironed and curled

Have a blessed night....

~Blessed Tresses~

Hair Update #1

Hello everyone!!!! I know it's been a while, but I finally completed graduate school and now have my MS in Social Gerontology.  I thank the good Lord for leading me the entire time during this journey.

Now to my hair.....well believe it or not, I am actually 50 weeks post relaxer/texlax.  When I first started stretching, it was going to be my usual 6 months stretch and then texlax my hair.  However, this time I decided to see how long I could actually go without wanting to pull my hair out.  So, 9 months looked real good and I was having no issues.  Then I thought, can I do this for an entire year?  So, I decided to test myself, and I must say it was not as hard as I thought it would be.  My new growth has kicked in something fierce, especially when I was taking hair vitamins.  Now that I'm at this 50 week mark, I am loving my natural texture and how healthy my hair feels to me.  The only issue that I'm dealing with is keeping these edges under subjection lol.  I'm good for a few days, but when the humidity kicks in, it's all over.

Here are some pics of my texture with no product:

So, what's next for me.....I'm not sure if I'm going to hit that one year mark and keep it moving or texlax my hair.  I definitely won't do anything immediately because I want to see how my hair works out after I've hit my goal.  I'll definitely keep you all posted.

Until next time,

~Blessed Tresses~

2015 Hair Goals

Hello everyone! I've decided that the best way to keep myself accountable through my hair journey is to create some goals. At this time, I've been texlaxing every 6 months or so, however, I'm currently at 30 weeks now and as long as my stretch is causing no harm to my hair it will continue. Here's a picture of my current texture and what I'm dealing with:

Here are my goals:

• Prepoo 30 minutes or overnight with oil mix (castor, coconut, sunflower, grapeseed oil).
• Wash hair weekly.
• Deep condition 30-60 minutes each wash with hear or a heat conditioning cap.
• Air dry when possible and flat iron with heat protectant (not often-maybe once a month).
• Focus on healthy ends over length by making sure I am moisturizing and sealing my ends as needed.  At this point my ends have definitely recovered from a set back and I want them to stay in good shape.
• Continue with mini-trims every 3-6 months and length checks will be on the same type of schedule. I've discovered that the more I pay attention to my length by measuring perhaps too often, I start feeling as if I'm making no progress. 
• I'm going to try my best to continue wearing protective styles such as updos (french rolls, braided buns, and pin curled updos). It's very rare that I wear my hair down, but when I do it's either bumped on the ends or a pin curled style.
• Last but not least, listen to what my hair needs. I refuse to jump on any new bandwagons. I'm sticking to what works for me. So, I'll continue with simple wash days, taking my multi-vitamins, eating healthy, and exercising. 

I hope that you all are reaching your hair goals and making progress.  Sometimes our hair journeys seem in vain, but if we stick with what works we will definitely see progress!

Until next time,

~Blessed Tresses~

Devotional Moments

 ^"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal. 6:9
 
Hello everyone! I know it''s been a while, but I've been thinking about some things I would like to do different with this blog. I'm sure some of you are aware that this originally started as a way to document my hair journey, but I feel that there is another purpose for this blog too. I've decided to share weekly if time permits a devotional/thoughts to ponder sort of post as well. In these posts I hope to share something that may encourage you and give you hope for whatever situations you may be going through. So, on that note I hope that you will take this new journey with me, as well as, stick around for my hair journey posts too. Have a "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY" and a blessed weekend!!!!

Always,
Blessed Tresses

Health: Questions To Ask Your Doctor and Pharmacist

 

Hello everyone! Going to the doctor can definitely be a scary event all in itself, however, there are many times it is necessary.  Many people are very afraid to ask the important questions of their doctor or pharmacists. 

There are many drugs on the market for various illnesses that are used to treat them, but they have side effects that could cause other issues.  Let’s take Xarelto, also known as rivaroxaban.  It is an anticoagulant used to keep blood from clotting.  Some of the side effects of Xarelto include uncontrollable bleeding that may become apparent due to symptoms such as coughing up or vomiting blood, headaches, red or black stool, and spinal and epidural blood clots after a spinal tap or epidural.  I am sure that most people are unaware of these side effects due the lack of information provided by companies and physicians. 

While it is important to visit the doctor and take care of yourself, it is just as important to know how a medication can affect you immediately or later in life.  Here are some questions that you should ask your doctor and pharmacist when given a medication:

·        What are the generic and brand names for the prescribed medication? This information is important so that you can do further research on the medication.

·        What are the possible side effects of the medication? This is important to know so that you are aware of what types of problems to look for, as well as, consider if you should stop taking the medication.  You should be aware of what to do if you notice any side effects.

·        Does the prescribed medication mix well with other medications you may be taking? Not all medications play well together. It is very important to be aware of this before you start taking a new medication so that you do not risk preventable side effects and problems.  It is always a good idea to have a list of all medications you take, so that you can ask the doctor or pharmacist if they will work well with other medications.

·        When is the best time to take the medication? In the morning, afternoon, or at night? Should it be taken with food or without? You definitely want to take it at the appointed time and make sure that you are following all of the instructions given for a specific medication to prevent any issues.

·        How long will I take the medication? It is important to know if the medication is to be taken daily, for two weeks, or indefinitely.  You should always take medication according to the instructions given by the doctor.

The pharmacist should be asked the same questions and be able to inform you of when the medication expires.  Taking medication that has expired can have some serious effects as well.  The pharmacist can also explain to you how to properly store the medication and dispose of any that is left after the allotted time to take it.  When you fill a prescription your pharmacist should always provide a Consumer Medical Information Sheet to answer any questions you may have once you have left the pharmacy. 

Remember the importance of being aware of side effects when taking medications. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor and pharmacist questions. It is their responsibility to answer any questions you have and to provide information about any medications you are prescribed.  It is also a good idea to research your medication too.   This is one time when asking questions about your medication can prevent side effects and possibly save your life.

Until next time,

Blessed Tresses

Disclaimer: All information about Xarelto was retrieved from http://www.recallcenter.com

Just a thought...

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"If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit."-- William J. Clinton

Have a blessed day!

~Blessed Tresses~

Happy New Year

                                                happynewyears2015i.com

Happy New Year everyone! I pray that you all are having a blessed and joyous first day of the new year.  2014 had many changes and blessings for me personally, spiritually, and physically.  My goals for 2015 are to continue moving forward and to walk into the destiny that God has for my life.  I want to succeed in all areas of my life and to reap the harvest of staying focused in this new year.  So, with that being said, my plan is to stay on track with whatever goals I have set for myself. This is a "NO QUIT" zone.  Even if I stumble, like we sometimes do, I'm going to pick myself up, brush off, and keep it moving!!!

God bless you and have a wonderful day!!!

With love,

~Blessed Tresses~