2015 Natural Hair In Review

 

Looking back on my natural hair journey for 2015, I noticed, and you’ve probably noticed too, that I was fixated on protective styling. That quickly got trumped when I discovered my bald spot and breakage. The bald spot, though traumatic, ended up being a blessing in disguise. It made me take a closer look at how I treated my hair. It made me realize that I was being too rough on my hair and on my daughter’s hair. I had to rethink my hair care regimen. I was also forced to look at the products I was using, even though I take the minimalist approach to my products. I’ve incorporated more natural oils into my routine, and I deep condition more. Positive changes definitely came from my bald spot scare!

Since starting this natural hair journey, it’s always been about learning and embracing. You have to take the good with the bad no matter what. I will admit that when my bald spot was discovered, the thought of cutting off all of my hair did cross my mind. I felt this would only be an option if the breakage had spread to other parts of my head, and it never did. I’ve read many blogs and watched many YouTube videos on breakage and the steps some have taken to deal with breakage, and cutting off all of their hair is one step some have taken, depending on how severe the damage was. Thank goodness I didn’t have to go to that extreme, but I was prepared to do so if push came to shove.

Overall, I believe 2015 was a good year. Towards the end I got hit with the bald spot drama, but it all worked out once I got a solid hair care regimen in place. I love the natural hair community because through me sharing my experience with my bald spot, fellow naturalista’s rallied around me and let me know that I wasn’t alone. They’ve experienced breakage and bald spots, and they’ve gotten through them. I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful advice and constant support and encouraging words, and I will forever be grateful for that. I don’t know what 2016 will bring, but I pray it’s full of positivity. Here’s to healthy hair!!

XoXo

 

Sonya

 

Bald Spot Update

Hello again! Since my last update, I’ve seen much more growth on my bald spot. It barely looks like a bald spot anymore, which is very awesome! It’s definitely been a slow process, but I’m seeing progress and that keeps me hopeful!

I’ve added some things to my hair care routine:

1. Pumpkin Seed Oil
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
3. Olive oil

Pumpkin seed oil promotes hair growth and helps with dandruff, among other things. I’ve been using it on my scalp mixed with the JBCO. In a spray bottle I mix olive oil and water and I spritz my hair/scalp with it every night before I go to bed and then twist or plait my hair up for the night. Lately I’ve only been plaiting up my hair because I like how it naturally stretches my hair.

I’ve always had a problem with dandruff and itchy scalp, which leads to me scratching my scalp (and I have naturally long nails, and we all know that nails are the DEVIL for our scalp!) which can cause sores and scabs if I scratch too hard or too long in the same spot. I haven’t done this in a while, but I know it can happen. With the weather turning colder and drier, I’m experiencing the itchy scalp again. I think it’s time for me to switch up my shampoo and use a dandruff shampoo (i.e. Selsun Blue, Sulfur 8, Head & Shoulders, Neutrogena T/Sal, etc.) and sooth my scalp with pure, organic Aloe Vera juice.

Dealing with breakage has definitely taught me gentleness and patience when it comes to my natural hair. I have not been over-styling, combing, or pulling on my hair. I let my hair be as much as possible. I do need to get more creative with some protective styles that don’t involve having braids being installed. Currently I’m stuck on rocking the head band, to my husband’s dismay, lol! (See photo collage) However, with the cold winter months upon us, I need to tuck away my hair more versus wearing it out.

In the black and white photo my hair was in a true mega shrinkage/afro state, and I loved it! The top left photo is more recent (ok I took it today!) and you can see the difference in how it’s more stretched out from me plaiting it. So yeah, I need to get more creative with my hair styles like some cute updo’s. I’ll keep you posted!

I’ve also found some wonderful information regarding the different causes of hair loss and solutions from a website I stumbled upon called Hair Sentinel. Check it out!

http://www.hairsentinel.com/itchy-scalp-hair-loss.html