Kristi Shanks

Get connected | Instagram: kristimshanks | Facebook: Kissed By KC | Website: www.enjoyingthejourneys.com [ Natural Hair ] and www.KissedbyKC.com [ Soy Candles ] | Youtube Channel: Enjoying The Journeys

In the summer of 2008, after years of wasting money on expensive salon visits to get relaxers and noticing how incredibly thin my hairwas looking, I decided to go natural. I cut off all of my chemically treated hair and rocked a tiny afro. Around the same time, my youngest daughters hair made a growth spurt of sorts, her scalp was sprouting soft, fine, coily hair. She didn’t grow a head full of hairuntil around her 2nd birthday, I knew the damage the relaxer did to my hair; I wanted better for her. It was all the more reason for me to learn how to take care of both of our natural hair. I searched YouTube, blogs, and I even stopped other naturals in stores asking questions about their journey. I dove in and have embraced the lifestyle to the fullest.

A year later, I started photo journaling (Fotki) about my new natural hair journey and in 2009; I made the leap to video. Since then, I’ve filmed a few hairstyle videos for YouTube @ EnjoyingtheJourneys.com. My videos have been featured on a few hair and lifestyle blogs including, curlynikki.com. Fast forward to now, February 2015, I’ve maintained my natural-ness; enjoying the journey, I’ve experimented with color and two haircuts. I’m currently on a quest to grow it back to bra strap length.

***Below are some tips I plan to follow to meet my new hair goal. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at kristi.m.shanks@gmail.com.

RETAIN HAIR LENGTH REGIMEN

  • Wash at least once a week
  • Deep condition for at least 30 min. every week
  • Wear protective styles most of the time
  • Low  manipulation
  • Cover my hair at night with a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillow case
  • Massage scalp daily
  • Moisturize ends daily
  • Do periodic protein treatments
  • Limit heat usage
  • Exercise daily
  • Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day
  • Keep nails trimmed to prevent them from snagging hair
  • Enjoy the Journey