i decided to stop protective styling wednesday of last week. i was done covering my hair for a while; and after 8 months of doing so, i thought it was time to see what my efforts had yielded.

i detangled and co-washed my hair and decided to press it out to see how my hair has grown. besides the fact that i need a trim (which i plan to get soon) i’m happy with my progress (yes, despite my hairexia!).

i had not pressed my hair since july/august of 2009.

my ultimate length is healthy hair that falls to the bottom of my bra strap so i have about a 6 inches to go when you take into account that i need 1-2 inches of hair cut off in my trim. i think i’ll be at my goal by the end of the year.

things i’ve noticed:

my hair color from last year has faded a lot and i have about 6-7″ of new growth. when my hair is in it’s curly/kinky state you can’t tell – the color looks like fresh highlights, but pressed, it’s obvious that i’m longgg overdue for a color touch up.

because i DO want color, i’m going to take my time to decide what color i want. i know that i recently mentioned that i wanted blonde, but i’m starting to think that i *might* want to go back dark brown – my natural hair color – or do nothing until the end of the year and ride my color out until i can’t even pull if off when my hair is curly. decisions, decisions.

care routine:

my routine has not changed much from my winter to spring update. for the most part it’s the same. i have just stopped using l’oreal everpure moisture conditioner for color treated hair and i now use s-curl (vs. carefree curl gold – my old staple) to moisturize my hair and have added cantu leave-in back to my regimen after having stopped using it about a year ago. i will also be using aubrey organics honey suckle rose and white camilla conditioners to co-wash my hair.

cowash conditioner (sometimes i use as a leave-in) / leave in – conditioner/moisturizer

deep conditioner: still using and liking pantene relaxed and natural breakage defense mask deep conditioner

sealants (for moisture): unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil.

as always my cheapie and trusty cowashing conditioners are either aussie moist, garnier moisture works or herbal essence hello hydration.

how is your hair care routine coming along? trying any new products?

Related posts:

1. 2010 winter – spring hair routine and progress report