Removing Product Build Up Prior to Twist Out

After two weeks, I had a lot of product build up, but was not ready to do a twist out.  So, I perused some of my favorite youtube channels and came across a video from Naptual85.  She was using the ACV rinse before she shampooed.  She said ACV removes product build up.  That was all I needed to hear.  I was already using an ACV rinse, but only after I shampooed and conditioned. I ran my hair through luke warm/cool water.  You want your water to be as cool as possible because cool water closes the hair cuticles.  Closed hair cuticles seals moisture in your hair.  I worked the ACV rinse through my hair and massaged through my scalp with my fingertips.  Dude, this really worked.  The build was gone when I finished.  I wrapped my hair in an old t-shirt and am now waiting for it to dry.  Once my hair dries (I’m sure it will be thoroughly dry in the morning) I will spray my moisturizing mix and then unravel my twists.

Moisturizer Mix

These are the ingredients I use in my daily moisturizing mix.

¼ cup - Aloe Vera Gel
¼ cup - Vegetable Glycerin
1 TBS - Olive Oil (EVOO)
½ cup - Distilled Water

I added/removed ingredients to my liking. I like the consistency to be a little thick so the mix will not run down the back of my neck. You only need to use a little EVOO.

I use this in the morning and evening. I spray and work through the ends first, then the middle strands, then my roots. I have not had a dry hair day since I have been using this mix. You don’t need to spray a lot. Well, at least with my mix, I do not have a need to spray a lot.

pH balancing

I have been paying close attention to educational youtube videos on how to grow long, natural hair.  One of the most consistent pieces of advice is to keep the ends moisturized.  I have also been studying Kimmaytube’s pH balancing videos.  The information she provides makes sense.  Most naturals may think, “It doesn’t take all of that.”  However, Kimmaytube’s hair growth over the past 4 years is astounding and is proof that her maintenance methods are working.  I came to realize that I was putting the wrong products in my hair.  I was using products that would dry out my hair.  My hair would be so thirsty and it was hard to maintain moisture throughout the day.  I have high maintenance hair from the simple fact of being natural, but I was taking high maintenance to a new level.  I finally purchased some ph balance testing strips from Kimmaytube’s website, www.luvnaturals.com.   These things are essential for helping to maintain and grow long, natural hair.  I tested the pH levels of the products I use to moisturize my hair.  My mixture includes aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, olive oil, and distilled water.  (This morning, I just remembered that I need to add peppermint essential oil.  Peppermint stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.)   Anyway, my moisturizer mix w/o the peppermint oil gives me a pH balance of 4.0.  This is within the range of maintaining moisture.  I also pH balanced my ACV rinse to 4.0.  I found that I was using too much ACV and that was also causing my hair to dry out.  The only change I will be making is that in the future, I will be using organic ACV.  From what I have read, non-organic apple cider vinegar’s health-enhancing properties are destroyed during the heating of the pasteurization process.  Of course I want as many enzymes that will promote hair growth in my products.  Anyway, now would be a good time to start taking pictures of my hair to keep track of its growth journey.  Whoever said that natural hair can’t be grown long is a lair.  Natural hair can be grown to be long and beautiful.  I’m going to be one of those who prove this to be correct.

Day #3 after my tonsillectomy

So, it's day three after my tonsillectomy.  I'm not doing as bad as I thought I would or as bad as doctors said I would.  I have been resting as much as I can, but the oxycodone is keeping me up.  I thought it was going to make me sleepy, but I just stay up all night on ebay.  I just finished twisting my hair.  I'm about to make some mac and cheese because I need something hot in my body.  I just looked in my mouth to see of what the back of my mouth looks like.  I should not have done that.  It looks gross back there.  I have these white patches where my tonsils used to be.  And I see gray scabs.  The swelling of my tongue went down more, but I still talk funny.  My throat is still sore, but I'm not in pain.  Although I was in pain last night after I tried to eat a popsicle.  I felt better after I popped a pill.  Speaking of pills, I was prescribed oxycodone and morphine.  These drugs are powerful and can be addictive.  I expressed the concern of becoming addicted to these drugs with my doctor and she assured me that I would not become addicted to these drugs.  My aunt, Avis, threatened to take away my meds when she found out what was prescribed for me.  She insisted that I should throw them away and that I did not need them.  Needless to say, I did not invite her over during my recovery.  And when I thought she was going to visit, I found some hiding spots for my meds.  I didn't take many, but I did take them when I needed to.  I didn't feel pain often, but when I did . .  MY GOD.  Second worst physical pain I have ever felt.  The first was birthing contractions.  Well, bye folks.  That's all for now.

Day #2 after my tonsillectomy

I really want a burger from Five Guys.  I'm so tired of yogurt and sherbet.  I want some real food.  I want some hot food.  How much longer will this healing process take?

A present from Kaiser

Oh look.  They left a present on my body.  I just found this under my left breast after I got home.

Day #1 after my tonsillectomy

My surgery was a success.  One minute I was talking to the doctors in the operating room, and the next minute, I was waking up from the anesthesia in the recovery room.  I do remember things that happened prior to the surgery such as conversations with the nurses and the operating room lights that looked like pink and blue star fish.  I had to take my contacts out, so I just saw the blur of the lights.  They were quite comforting.  However, I couldn't breath well when the anesthesiologist was holding the oxygen mask over my mouth.  She adjusted it after I said I was having trouble breathing.  I concentrated on the "starfish" after that.  I don’t have any pain right now, but the swelling of my tongue has not gone down yet.  It’s an annoying feeling, but not painful.  I am taking my meds on schedule, so I don’t anticipate any pain.  The doctors said that I would need someone to stay with me for the first night, but I blew that off.  I knew I was going to be ok.  Doctors have a tendency to exaggerate sometimes.  I sent my mother home.  God is wonderful and I thank him for my healing.  I thought I was going to feel horrible, but I'm handling things like a soldier.