Long Hair...who DOESN'T Care?!

Alright bloggers.

I guess I should start this off by saying, Happy New Year! (Well it's not quite here yet...)

...now that that's out of the way...

So it's been quite some time since I've decided that I actually want to do the right thing when it comes to my hair. As mentioned in an earlier blog, my hair is highlighted and just recently I've had it cut down to about two or three inches from my scalp because of breakage, split ends, dry--brittleness...all of that bad stuff. Seeing that I conveniently named my blog tanned&PERMED; I'm going to use that title to my advantage (among other random blogs that'll still be posted)... 

Over my break I have been reading up on how to grow healthy hair as well as maintain it even after its been chemically processed. Only 19 years of age, I've just about had it all: the relaxers, the scalp-tight braids, the weaves (sewn in and glued in) and I even went natural my sophomore and junior years of high school...just to fall right back into the pits of this cursed world of maintaining ethnic hair. I finally decided to throw in the towel.

ENOUGH!

My hair has never grown past the nape of my neck, but this year, I'm determined to try something different. Upon my research of healthy hair, I came across a website that literally stopped me in my tracks.

"That's not her hair...really?" "Wow, I didn't know that about Dr. Miracle...no wonder his products felt like everything else I've tried to use!" "So brushing really does break off your hair!"

All of these things ran through my mind. I honestly couldn't believe that I had fallen victim to the media and what they thought was the solution to black hair care. But at the same time, who could blame me? It's seldom that anyone who wasn't born or grew up with a head full of long hair would actually know what to do in order to grow the long hair they've always longed for. (Well, me anyway). It sucks even more that my mother has a mane of beautiful long hair, and I don't.

Cathy Howse (website: www.ultrablackhair.com) has taught me so much in her book that I purchased along with some of her products. The book cuts straight to the chase and thoroughly explains WHY my hair won't grow. In order for it to grow, I must cut bad habits!

I won't go into too much detail about her book, but Amazon.com as well as her website are selling the book for viewer's purposes. (Shoutout to Ms. Howse for being such an inspiration; I take no claims for the photos that I have published here on. =])

Anyway, I have completed the book and am now more educated on what the 'dos-and-don'ts' are of hair care. I decided to take her 365 day challenge of growing 6" of hair or longer...and I'm officially determined to do just that. Goodbye nape long hair...hello Bra Strap length (and longer!).

Now I know the title depicts a hair regimen, but that'll come in a later blog (possibly sometime next week) when the rest of my products arrive.

Until then, here's a list of products that I'll be using. Pictures of everything will also come in a later blog.

• Cathy Howse's Ultra Black Hair Growth II book (referential purposes, of course)
• Ultra Black Hair Conditioner
• Ultra Black Hair Dew Spray Moisturizer
• Ultra Black hair Lotion Creme Moisturizer
• Aubrey Organic's Moisturizing shampoo for dry/brittle hair
• Aphogee Protein treatment
• Hooded hair dryer

I'll be referring to this blog a lot throughout the course of my 365 day challenge. I'm hoping that in the end, I'll be satisfied and referring others to these products, as well as the common sense and simpler ways in taking care of ethnic hair.

My first blog of 2010 will be addressing how this Aubrey Organics shampoo will work on my hair. Notice I didn't buy any conditioner, so I'm HOPING that it works well and will get me through until my other products arrive.

Peace & Blessings...Happy New Year!!

Holidays Bring Emotions...Blah.

Well it's the day after Christmas (Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you bloggers out there) and suddenly my emotions are kind of getting the best of me. The 17th of December (2007) I got the best information of my life. I was accepted to University of Pittsburgh (Full Ride and all--hell yeah me!) Of course, I celebrated, had my high cahoots and all of that bull. And heck yeah, I was ready to hit that "I am attending Pitt" button with my $200 deposit fee...until mommy dearest said "That's kind of far. Maybe you should apply somewhere closer".

BOMBSHELL!

So, being the nice child that I am, I applied to ONE other school here in NC...North Carolina State University (Go Pack) and what do ya know...I got accepted. Unfortunately, I was persuaded to go to school IN State instead of persuing my OUT of state dream. I honestly think that if I would've gone to Pitt, my performance would be 10 times better. Hmph, oh well. This time of year always brings memories.

This could be my last blog for 2009...we'll see what I'm in the mood of writing about next week when it gets here. Until then, this version of myself is saying

DUECES!

All I Want For Chirstmas Is...

The Acer Aspire One 10.1" LCD of course.

I've been reading reviews from HSN.com and although a lot of folks aren't completely satisfied with the product, I beg to differ. It's just what I need instead of lugging my 17.2" LCD Toshiba around campus. It's sad enough that there is no printing on campus (cheap asses), so it's harder for me to keep up with the notes. With this lil' buddy, it's going to be alot easier to handle.

We can't forget the funkaaaayyy colors. Although red is my favoritestest (hehe) color in the world, I'm intrigued by the purple one...I gottaaaa have it! And I'm NOT waiting for Christmas to roll around to get it. As soon as I get the opportunity, best believe I'll be up in good ol' Wal-Mart (or Walmart.com since I can get a bundle for a decent price) within the next week or so. I'll just consider this my gift to myself for doing so well on my exams. [insert smiley face here.]

The only thing that I'm really worried about is this ridiculous Windows 7. I know that Windows is a good company, but their stupid little trials always make me want to throw my new computer devices right out of the window. I think that's how I messed up my Toshiba for the first 6 months that I had it. I accidentally deleted the trial version and tried to install the full version, but then it wanted to do it from the trial version. Pissed wasn't even the word to describe my emotions for that mess. Windows Vista was some straight crap, and in order for any of the programs to work properly, it had to be updated by buying the actual package (which is now out-dated, but ran for about $67.95[[SON, WHERE THEY DO DAT AT?!!]]). Now I don't consider myself to be too cheap, but DAMN Windows 7 is running right now for about a good $80. That's another reason why I'll be heading to Wal Mart. Although it's price isn't automatically bundled within the package, if you select it, it will take about 10% of the cover price off. Now, that, I can live with.

I digress. Sitting up here talking like I'm a computer whiz. (Yeah Right.) My mother still knows about a thing or two more than what I do...she swears she's this genius when it comes to cleaining out a lot of files. Anywho, I'm not sure what possessed me to write this blog so early in the morning, but I'll probably be back later today with another one.

The version of myself today forsees it in the future...

[[outro: Twilight Zone theme music]]

Tanned&Permed;

I created this blog not too long ago, meaning I've just been procrastinating to get it up and running. Easily learned, procrastination is a trait that I wear well [insert sarcasm here]. Needless to say, if you haven't already learned, My name is Ylonda. I'm known to most as simply "Londa"...

I have a thing for nail art, my Polo Ralph Lauren glasses and of course, my new found honey-blonde and auburn highlighted hair (and hair care). I prefer the simple things in life...and I really don't too much care for anyone's opinion anymore.

So, why did I entitle my blog "Tanned & Permed" you ask?

Well...You'd have to ask the version of myself that was present a few months ago when this blog was created. As of right now, I'm just as clueless as you are...