- once weekly con-washing at home (with Suave Creamy Coconut conditioner)
- oiling my scalp/sealing ends with Aceite De Ajo by Alopecil (Garlic Oil Capilar).
- dust split ends on an as-needed basis
- wear my hair in a braid wound into a bun most days
- sleep with either a satin bonnet or scarf.
- discontinued Biotin altogether as I wasn't willing to deal with the breakouts this time around
As a reminder, here are pictures of how my hairline looked three months ago. *Yikes*
Salon Visit:
This morning I was up bright and early with the intentions of being first in the chair as soon as the salon opened at 8:00 am. As most of you know, I've been going to Sisters Unisex for the last 8 years. I love how they handle my hair, but most of all appreciate the attitude of the ladies in the salon. Very cool energy, and they're respectful of your needs/wishes and don't try to pressure/coerce you into doing anything you don't want to do. That's a big deal to me.
I first joined the hair boards in 2005 and have pretty much been caring for my own hair since that time. You see, in August 2005 I made the decision to start taking better care of my hair, stop relying on weaves for length, and do only what works for me, rather than following the advice of a stylist or hair magazine. Today, quite frankly, I know more about hair health/growth than many stylists who work in a salon… most of us on the hair boards do, in fact. If that sounds cocky…. Seriously though, it feels GREAT no longer being dependent upon a salon or stylist to achieve healthy hair (in fact, my hair was the shortest and most damaged when I was living in Maryland and dependent upon salons for advice/hair care). I go now because I enjoy the way the Dominicans shampoo me and roller set me, as I'm too lazy to do this on my own. Moreover, you're in and out in two hours, max. No idle chit-chat in the stylist chair (as is common at black salons) because most of the girls don't speak English well (I'm not being racist – they really don't). This works for me, because I've always loathed that superficial, intrusive banter. I like to get in that chair and monitor what's going on then zone out… text message, read a book, or day dream.
Today she washed me with my long-time staple, Aceite de Oliva shampoo by Nacidit. My hair needed this, as I'd only con-washed since my last visit to the salon (over a month ago) and I'm sure there was plenty of build-up of product.
Today I decided to try a new conditioner. I looked through their extensive array of products and selected the Miss Key 10 in 1 Super Conditioner hair treatment. You see, I definitely prefer to use Dominican products in my hair (with the exception of the Suave conditioner, because it's just so darn slippery, yummy, and my hair loves it!!!). Anyway, so I'd been hearing lots of good stuff about the 10 en 1 and wanted to try it for myself.
She used the Capile Rinse Aceite de Oliva to detangle. I love, love, love this product…. so creamy and thick with GREAT slip! Mind you, I don't comb my hair but maybe once per week, so it's plenty tangled once I get to the salon. But the comb just glides through my hair when it's saturated with this rinse.
Wash, Roller Set, Deep Condition = $23
Tip = $5
___________
The Damage = $28
Gotta love it. *smile* You see, at my former salon (non-Dominican), the services I received today would likely have come to around $60…. plus a headache from a wait of about 2 hours before getting in the chair, arguing with stylists about what I don't want them doing to my hair, and having to catch folks up on my life and/or listen to their foolishness/personal business.
Anyhoo, so here are a few length shots. (The rest of the progress pictures are in my Hair Journal, so email me for the link if you haven't already got it.)
Ummmm, I think that's it for hair updates. Feedback… comments… questions? Leave it in a comment and I'll respond back in a comment or via email (if it's very specific/personal). Okay, I'll be back in 3 months with more progress pictures.
CLICK HERE to return to the Homepage.
Hi Yaki,
Your hair is still gorgeous. Shonnette from fotki still following you:) What did you use when you did not wear your satin bonnet. Also you have to hansome boys are you going to try for that little girl.
Shonnette (Chanelshair)
Hi Yakini, loved to stalk your fotki
could you please email me and provide me the link to your progress pics album? Thank you in advance.
Christelle
Hello Kinikakes…i would like to say that your hair is gorgeous! You have had such great success with growing your hair! Could you please email me the link to your progress pics. THank you!
And your articles give out the pure soul of yours.It is of help during my boring work.
I like,that’s a sign of a good blog post.*
hello I know this post is months old but wow your hair is gorgeous!!
I would like to know if I can get a link to your hair journal and to the hair board you mentionned.
I would like to know also if you do any changes to your hair during pregnancy.
I’m french sorry for the faults.
thanks in advance.
Hi, I wanted to know if you could email me the link to your new hair site? I followed you on fotki, and then fell off the hair thing. My hair is super-fine, and I’ve never gotten it nearly as long as you have. Thanks much!
Hey Kini,
I still have not found the link to your hair journal. Can you please send it to me, pretty please, lol
Thanks Girlie,
fefe
Yakini your hair advice is priceless! Where can I purchase the Aceite De Ajo by Alopecil Garlic Oil? I should mention that I live on Long Island but will travel….
I have just realised that you are Kinikakes from LHCF. I have loved your hair for a number of years, long term lurker over there.
I am currently experiencing hair loss in exactly the same areas.
When I went to the Doctor, he very breezilly told me that it was alopecia aretea and will eventually all fall out. Due to the fact that I know my hair better than anyone, instead of crying. I started a low mani routine, stopped using heat and generally babied my hair.
The left side is almost back to normal and the right is getting there.
Your beautiful hair will continue to serve as a inspiration
Yakini, your hair looks so good. You always had hair longer than mine and now its down to your waist, wow! I read your hair stories and updates. I can relate to most of the hair issues that you addressed. What is the link of your hair journal? Thank you so much.
Hello, I was just searching the internet doing research about hair, and came across your website. I have to tell you that your hair is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I love it, and it’s such an inspiration to me. You have beautiful flowing waistlength hair. Keep doing what you are doing by inspiring other black women. God Bless!
Kini your hair looks AMAZING. I am happy for you. Your hair grows super fast hey. Love it.
Thank you for the email. MUCH MUCH MUCH appreciated. I am just waiting for my blog to gain momentum a lil and then I will do the post.
But I really apprecite taking the time to answer my questions.
Much Love
WOW! I always get and retain, for at least six months, tons of hair. I am glad that you found solution. Hydration seems to be key for keeping our bodies functioning as well as it can. Moreover, Oils are essential parts of our hair but can be tricky for different hair types. My daughter has curly fine hair but I use Carol’s Daughter, Lisa’s Hair Elixir and Hair Milk. Pricey but for us worth it. I remember before going natural, I lived in the Dominican salon and my hair grew so well. I always go those conditioners in the glass bottles. My hair is really dry so they helped tons.
I really like Sisters, they always do a great job even with my short cut.
on another note (i wish we could comment directly on the pics/chase candids)…i cant believe that chase’s feet almost touch the little footrest!!! impressive!
lmao @ “I’ve always loathed that superficial, intrusive banter.” i feel ya! that’s why i used to always hate getting my hair braided by louise.
ur edges look stellar. a stunning transformation. that was very disheartening to hear that it is usually 3 MONTHS post-partem when the shedding begins. i thought i had escaped it this go round since my hair is not at all in the raggedy condition around the edges that it was post-garv….but alas, bazzy is only 2 months. sigh. well, only time will tell. lawanda said that she didnt notice a difference this time with asante, and he’s 4 months, so hopefully i’ll follow in her footsteps…
I’m so glad you survived the PP shedding. I hope my experience is as positive as yours as I’ll be having my little one next week as usual the shedding starts 3 months later, so I’m looking at Nov. I will start my garlic and treatments before then. Thanks for sharing:-)
How cool that you have a hair story. For some weird reason I gain more hair then I lost. I seriously need a hair cut so thanks for the salon info =)
btw, Chase has the right idea…photo opps
Yaki, your hair looks amazing! Seriously..you know I can relate to the edges thing….and I totally feel you! If i was non-loced, I would CERTAINLY be visiting a dominican salon (we have had SEVERAL pop up in my area, they are doing DAMAGE here in ATL!)
Good Morning! I have been following your hair post since you were on fotki and have been truly inspired. I know since then you haven’t been posting on fotki but on prissy mommy chronicles. I was wondering where I can see your latest updates of your hair journey. Thank You!
Beautiful–great job!
So cute that Chase got in the pic too. Your hair looks as pretty as always.
Hello, your hair looks beautiful. Can you tell me what the hair boards are? I am trying to fiind great conditioning products for my daughter. She is 3 & has very coarse dry hair, which she hates to have combed. Thanks in advance.