Hello there! This little blog has always been such a great experiment for me. As those of you who have followed PDG for a while, you know that most of the posts are about handmade clothing and goods and occasionally gardening, but sewing has always been at this blog's heart. Sewing is a large part of my heart, but when I decided to devote my time to this small business, I decided that I would have to experiment more. Dip my toes into the world of food, beauty, travel, etc and see what the heck happens. If you're all for it, let me know! If you're not into it at all, let me know! I am endlessly flattered to know that there are lovely souls out there reading these words of mine, and I love receiving comments from you. So here we go, experimentation begins today.

Change is good. Moving 2,500 miles across the country with 7 days notice? That's a quick change. My hair growing steadily curlier, and curlier as I get older? That's a gradual change. Is it normal for curly hair to do that? I think it's very odd. Sometimes I hate my curls but mostly I've come to love them because I see them as a distinguishing feature. I've accepted the curls, and I'm learning to embrace them. Change is good, change is good, change is good. 

Curly haired girls must unite. There is an endless list of hair products out there, and as I test them, I feel an obligation to share my successes to ease other girls' pain. Let's share the love, ladies!

My hair was bleached a while back, and is slowly growing out. I see the roots, you see the roots, they're there, I know. I'm trying to embrace the change from the color I wish my hair was, to the color my hair really is. Sigh, it's a slow process. Anyway, my ends are dry because of the bleach and I have found several products that boost my curls, help my damaged ends, don't weigh my hair down, and don't get crunchy (we all know that struggle!). 

I never believed in expensive shampoo and conditioner but I obviously didn't know what I was talking about. Biosilk 'Silk Therapy' conditioner has dramatically improved my hair. I don't use Biosilk shampoo because I use a purple shampoo that helps keep that dread orange tint at bay, but I recommend the conditioner to everyone. Since I have started using it (about 2 years ago), my hair is noticeably softer, smoother, and less damaged. You can find it at hair salons, but I usually purchase it at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. The conditioner is usually around $12 per bottle. 

The 'Silk Therapy' Original Treatment is a life-saver for my ends. I use a very small amount (less than a dime) and apply to the lower half of my hair right after showering, but before styling. My hair is thick, and naturally sort of oily, so I don't get it anywhere near my roots because that would be bad. Applied to the ends, this helps manage split ends, define curls and adds a bit of shine. Again, I usually find this at TJ Maxx or Marshalls, and although the price has recently gone up to around $20, a bottle lasts me about a year. 

Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls is available at Target for about $15 per bottle. A new friend of mine recently gave me this and I am hooked. It's amazing. Totally worth the $15. I add about a nickel sized amount to my hair after showering and scrunch while it air dries. It helps to define each curl, and helps form ringlets with those locks that just can't seem to get it together. 

Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting cream is available pretty much everywhere and is about $4 per bottle. I apply a dime sized amount to my curls after they've dried and if they need a bit of a pick-me-up mid-day. Too much of this will make your hair greasy, so don't over do it. 

Rusk Being Sexy, I'm sure is available at hair salons, but I always find it at Marshall's or TJ Maxx. It's typically about $10 per bottle and a little bit goes a long way. This works well in the humidity to keep the frizz and flyaways down. I use about a dime sized amount on either dry or wet hair, though I find it works a bit better if my hair is damp. 

Lastly, a great combination of coconut oil, gel, salt and water in a spray bottle helps keep my hair under control throughout the day. You can search for this on Pinterest and find  a lot of recommendations, but in the past I've used this one, specifically.

I also try my best to take a skin, hair and nails vitamin regularly. (Am I the only one who struggles to remember to take a vitamin every day. It shouldn't be that hard!) I do notice my hair feels healthier when I am diligent about it. 

I've also found that terry towels and curly hair do not get along. I often use an old t-shirt to dry my hair. This helps to eliminate some frizz, and results in less breakage. 

What hair products do you recommend? I'm always excited to find something new, so please share! 

Other notes: The views expressed in this blog are strictly my opinion. I have not been paid by any of the above mentioned manufacturers to promote their products.