CCCA- Central Centrifugal Cicatrical Alopecia

Hello, everyone

I know its been a minute since I blogged, but life has keep me BUSY! However, i just wanted to post this brief update on my hair condition. I finally have some answers to way I have had some of the issues Ive had that I have mentioned in this blog. With persistance, and finding a GREAT and KNOWLEDGABLE dermatoligis, I was diagnosed eith CCCA. Below is a link to what it is, and I will be posting on my YT in more detail about what else Ive been up to since my last posting.

I just hope that this helps someone else, and lead to a healthy scalp and healthy head of hair.



http://www.skinandallergynews.com/index.php?id=1059&type=98&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=54546&cHash=da03e20e36

Where have I been?

Yall, I have totally been out of touch with my blog. Not that I havent thought about it here and there, but my life has ben full with alot of changes since my last post. I have completed my move. We built our 1st home, and moved in about a month ago. Prior to that I have started a new job part-time as an Instructor at a local college back in March. I work evening hours so that is a HUGE reason why I cant post as I used to or as I would like.
My hair in the midst of if all is doing well. Ive been doing Henna/Cassia treatment for the past few months and my hair LOVES them!! My shedding is not as bad as it was, and my itchy scalp has disappeared. Here's a pic of me doing a treament:

I leave it in about 2hrs or so then rinse with conditioner. My hair feels nice and strong afterwards. I do these weekly, or sometimes I do biweekly. No complaints so far. My edges I have been using Rogaine for, but not as consistent as I should. I can see some improvement, but not the nice thick lush edges I would like.
Anywho, thats my brief update.
Whats new with you?

HEY...

its been a minute since Ive had the time to even think about my blog. Sooo much has been going on in my life, but not much going with my hair. I have however, been getting my natural hair fix by the few sites Ive found on Facebook. AfroGlitz, OurNaturalHairNation, and I Love My Kinky Curly Natural Hair are the sites thats keep my appetite for natural hair talk appeased.
As far as my hair is concerned, I have still been experiencing horrendous shedding.. I can only think of one cause and that is STRESS!! Yes, I have been under alot of stress this past yr or so and I think my hair is paying the price for it. I have an appt with the dermatologist this tuesday FINALLY!  I had some bloodwork done last week by my PCP to rule out any underlying medical conditions and those came back fine. Whoever, the shedding is still present no matter what products I use, or styling techniques I try. I have notice a small patch in the top of my head that is very very sparse with hair, its not bald but but very very sparse looking.
To manipulate as less as possible I have been wearing a wig this past week and 1/2. Ive been using a shea butter and castor oil mixture on my hair and scalp to help combat my itchy scalp and so far so good. I LOVE raw shea butter!
Anywho, I dont have any pics to post, but I will after this weekend when I do my usual wash routine.
Whats new with you ladies?

MIA-I been busy yall

Hey ladies!

I know I been MIA for minute but I have been so busy! I started a new job about 3wks ago. Im loving it!! But it is taking up soooo much of my time with preparing lectures. Teaching isn't my original background but the subject matter Im teaching I have many many years of experience in. My hair has been in a protective style. But I dont like how much fussing Ive done with it since Im back to work. Im thinking I want to do some kinky twist or something to keep my hands out of it and not have to comb/style daily, but Im not sure yet.
Anywho, I just wanted to update you all briefly. I'll be back with some pics and a length check.

As I Am Naturally

Hey gals, just wanted to let you ladies know about this website I ran across on FB. It's called AsIAmNaturally.com. They are having a "Love Letter to my Hair Contest" It ends Feb. 28th. You must submit a letter telling them how you feel about your hair. It can be in reference to the one who inspired you to go natural, a love letter to your hair, or something about your hair.
15 winners will be given 4 hair product prizes for FREE!!!

The PJ in me couldnt pass on the opportunity for free products. I havent heard of them and wanted to spread the word. So go ahead check them out here is the link: As-I-Am-Naturally

Look at one if their models:

Here is a copy of the letter I submitted:

To: MyNativeCurlz

I guess the first thing I should do is to apoligize. For all the years of abuse, neglect, and the lyes.... I didn't realize then, what I do now...I dont have to cover you up to walk with my head held up PROUD!!
I must thank you for enduring, and deciding to stick around...The things I did to you at times made me look like a clown.
The dyes, the lyes, the perms, and the weave and with ALL THAT you are STILL here for me....
My kinky, puffy head of curls I really LOVE you, but not all in this world. Atleast I know now it doesnt matter what others think. What matters most now is ROCKIN my curlz without a blink.
So with this I pledge now, I have learned from my mistakes. I will NOT subject my daughter to the legacy of self-hate. I know that doesnt apply to all, so please dont misconstrue...
AS I AM, these words will forever be true!!
Love You!!
Signed,
NativeCurlzGirl77




GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!!

Styling N Profiling

Hey guys, its been a few weeks since I've been able to get some time to update my blog.....I've been soooo busy with going through the process of trying to get a home built, so that has taken up most of my time. Anywho, I have been keeping with my promise to attempt new styling options with my hair. Its only one other style, but hey this process is gradual...I finally got up the nerve to try to do the twist and tuck style I've seen Kim Love try on one of her vids, but SheSingsLovely of Youtube really gave me the inspiration. So I gave it a try. This was my out come:

Here is my 2nd attempt at this style:

I was headed to an interview, and thought this gave me an professional enough look without looking to wild.
This is how the back came out:

I had to add the clip because my center has major shrinkage, and wasnt long enough to reach the restthat was rolled and tucked.

I must say I was pleasantly surprise that it didnt turn out too bad. I dont have the length of either ladies I mentioned above, but I think this goes to show that I do have some options with the length I have.  Also, I did alter it a bit to fit my hair needs...since I dont have the length n front I wasnt able to to the pompadu (sp?) So, I just did a twistout bang.
In other news with my hair journey.....I have been still experiencing some breakage and shedding, but I would like to see this reduce drastically....Soooo, while I was at Walmart browsing the hair section. I ran across this poo and cond called Simply. Check it out:

I like the fact that it doesnt have any protein in it, it doesnt contain any Parabens or Sulfates, and its pH balanced!!!! But the best thing about it was PRICE!!! I got it on sale for 3.50 each!! I was shocked!! I was really trying hard to not slip back into my PJ ways, but I couldnt resist this deal. Plus, I need to try a moisturizing poo and cond to see if the ones Im using now (JASONS) was contributing to my breakage and shedding.

But enough of that check out a few of my styles I have been messing around with since I've last posted:

Can yall tell I been getting a lil snap happy with the cam? Yes, I can admit I have. I will get you all updated on how I like the new poo and cond I bought. As of today, I havent used it yet. Oh. oh before I end this, I forgot I uploaded my 2nd youtube vid. Please subscribe ladies!!Check me out:

Thanks for watching!!

Breakage :(

This is not something that I have just noticed in the past few mths, but its a problem I have faced for awhile now. I have just decided to post about it now, being that Im looking for some additional input. I dont use small-toothed combs, nor do I brush my hair. I dont do alot of manipulation to my hair, yet I still have breakage. I comb from the ends to roots, and I even take my time detangling during washing, so what gives?
Is it possible that some form of breakage is inevidentable for me? I have suspected for awhile now that my hair maybe protein sensitive, so I have made all efforts to use no products that contain proteins. Yet, with the new J/A/S/O/N poo and cons Im using (which is a moisturizing) has plant protein in it, but in small amounts.
Its a bit of a struggle to find a moisturizing poo and con that is moisturing, yet sulfate and parabens free, but doesnt have any form of protein in it.
Ive noticed at my last wash this past sunday, that 85-90% of the hairs I see coming out is shedded hair with the bulbs attached, but I do still find a fair amount of small broken hairs. Whats a girl to do? I have really really fine strands, so I wonder if no matter how careful I am or the products I do or dont use, I will still have "some" breakage.

Your thoughts? IM FRUSTRATED!!!!