When an Afro enters "Super Afro" phase

So, it's been almost 2 years (in May) since I chopped off most of my hair again, and I went from this:

to THIS!
(and this isn't even blown out fully because my arms got tired)
 

It's been a journey, but I'm glad to be on track according to my personal goals.  This was the first time in months that I'd blew out my hair with a comb attachment.  I don't do that anymore.  I'm back to my wash and go, moisturize and seal with hair oil, then tension dry method, as outlined below.  And I only do my hair once a week.  Everyday when I get home from work... ponytails (and tucking under the ends).  I'm almost ashamed to admit that this had made me lazy, BUT I love that I can wear my hair the way I like it, the way it is naturally, AND I don't hardly have to do anything during the week?  TOUCHDOWN!

In the meantime, this is my process:

 

 

 

 

 

WHEW!!!
(And I mean that! The process can take hours, but as my hair has grown longer, I find myself either taking some short cuts or just getting through it quicker.)

Curly Pudding Recipe

After much research and prayers that I wouldn't screw this up, I have compiled and tested ingredients for my own homemade curly pudding, and I have to say this is the first product that I have used that has not left my air-dried natural hair, well, dry (as in dried out like hay).

Ingredients:

• 18-20 oz curl activator gel
• 10 oz Eco Styler Gel (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• 2 oz Cocoa Butter
• 4 oz Shea Butter
• 2 oz hair oil mixture (I used equal parts coconut, castor, grapeseed, jojoba & extra virgin olive oils, and vegetable glycerin)
• 2 oz beeswax
• drops of tea tree essential oil

Directions
Melt the cocoa butter, shea butter and beeswax.  I did this by melting in a container resting in boiled water.
Add both gels in a mixing bowl.
With an electronic hand mixer ready going, add the melted butters to the gel mixture.
Add the hair oil to the mixture and tea tree oil, with the hand mixer still going.

Once the ingredients and combined, place in a container.

I used this curly pudding on freshly washed and conditioner hair, and sealed my hair with a mixture of aloe, castor oil and my hair oil mixture.  I think sealing the hair was a major contribution to the great results I had with the curly pudding.