Cleaning scalp and moisturizing: Diluted ACV + tooth brush, and more!

So I watched a couple of youtubers talk about how they maintain a clean scalp with braids on without using shampoo. I decided to use ACV to clean my scalp as I've got crochet on. I used:

* 2 glass cups of warm water
* 4 caps of ACV
* Medium bristle tooth brush


I dipped the brush in the mixture and scrubbed each line gently (I used that opportunity to tighten the crochet loops). I hope it works. I felt refreshed after the clean and itchiness stopped. But we'll see what happens in a few days!

Also, after cleaning a track, I applied my moisturizer (s-curl) and oil (coconut oil). Then I did a little trimming. And that's it! I'll be repeating these on my washdays.

Crochet is ON!

Crochet braiding is a GREAT protective style because your hair is secured underneath to minimize potential breakage from exposure. You can also moisturize your corn rows and clean your scalp whenever you require. So I've installed CROCHET braids to carry for 2-4 weeks.

I used Freetress Loose Deep. I've used these braids before for 'pick & drop' style and carried it for 2 months. I got compliments literally everyday AND the braids lasted (didn't tangle; kept its curls) which is unusual. Besides, it looked GORGEOUS in pictures. So I decided to bring back these feel good points by installing them again but this time, as crochet.

This will be MY FIRST TIME installing braids on myself (ain't nobody got money for hairdressers in this economy...). It literally took 2 days of fiddling with it to get it right. Here's the final look:

The same braids a year ago:

Learn how to CROCHET braid here

Protective styling: Bun with aloe vera gel finish

All you need:

Aloe Vera gel is optional.

My first co-wash!

This is out of the blue but remember I'm crocheting this week? So on Tuesday, I examined my scalp and when I noticed a little bit of dandruff, my next thought was co-washing. I wanted a clean scalp for crochet so that I won't have to start itching too early. I hear co-washing's advantage over shampoo is removing dandruff without drying. And I gotta say y'all, it's so true. It does wash dirt off while moisturizing the hair. I used Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner (for dry/damaged hair). I couldn't find one for normal hair but I don't think it made a difference.

This product smells DELISH. It felt nice, lathers great, turns out awesome. After wards, I blow dried my hair (instead of airdrying as I needed to corn row for crochet immediately), and applied leave-in conditioner. Then I applied S-curl moisturizer throughout and sealed with olive oil. I haven't used olive oil in a while (minus the egg treatment). My hair is now in cornrow.


P.S: That egg/olive/honey/mayo mixture I did last week works wonders! I haven't had breakage and shedding since! I noticed because as I was blow-drying and combing my hair after co-washing, nothing came out compared to how it was before doing the protein treatment. My ORS Mayo jar has also arrived. Loving them both.

Wash day 7/09: Eggs, Schwarzkopf Shampoo, & Flat Ironing

Three things I did differently in my wash routine today are: new shampoo, egg protein treatment, flat ironing.

NEW SHAMPOO

My goal: Clarifying

Product: Schwarzkopf Deep Nutrition Shampoo Shea Cashmere

Lathering: Moisturizing. I think it's OK for clarifying 'cuz it contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (the stuff that CLEANS). And you'll feel that squeak when you step outta the shower.

Results: Great! But you have to detangle immediately before your hair dries out into tangles. Will use again.

PROTEIN TREATMENT

My last protein was 3 weeks ago & my hair felt that loss! Broke easily today! Thought I could rely ORS Replenishing Conditioner's lil protein. I'll revert to protein treatment 2ce a week now!


My protein mix: 
2 egg yokes
1 tbs of Mayo
2 tbs of honey
2 tbs of olive oil

Process: Applied to shampooed hair, wore plastic cap and sat under dryer for an hour or so. The mix isn't runny & the egg didn't cook lol thank God.

Results: Silky soft! Just like how my hair feels after using the ORS Mayo.

FLAT IRONING

After blow drying (with cold air), I decided to flat iron. I'm really skeptical about using heat on my fragile hair but I just really wanted to see how it looks before I install crochet this week. As always, I applied Tresemme's Heat Protectant and my friend flat ironned. And here's the final results!!

p.s: I DC'd after protein treatment. It's very important to soften the hair and restore moisture. Also applied leave-in afterwards. And that's a wrap!! I'll be installing crochet this week x

Coming up: Egg, Olive Oil, Honey Protein Treatment

I ran out of my ORS Hair Mayo a while ago and my wash day is in two days. Beauty supplies in this side of the world is so freaking expensive and I prefer to buy my products via eBay or other online stores. I've just ordered the Mayo but since it can't arrive before the wash day, I've decided I'll go DIY this weekend!



As you may know, my new regimen involves a protein treatment once per month (beginning of every month - also my clarifying day). I've heard and read good things about egg/olive/honey treatment. I'll be mixing:

- 2 eggs, 2 tbs of olive oil, 1 tbs of honey.

I'll do this before my deep conditioning, as always.

This potion does exactly the same thing as the ORS Mayo... repairs dry/damaged hair, infuses protein, even repairs split ends. This will be my first time trying it. I'll be back on my wash day to review the results so watch this space. x

Hair regimen tweak: Updated

I'm in the process of simplifying my regimen since I'm in the second term of my hair journey. My hair's fragile and I'm still a student balling on a budget so I gotta keep it simple. So here's the plan:


Wash: Shampoo (I'm still looking for the perfect shampoo because the Creme of Nature Intensive Moisture Shampoo just had to have freaking mineral oil in it; Dermorganics shampoo even though it has all the goodness of argan oil, it really doesn't clean my scalp; and Alberto Kiwi Squeeze just tangles my hair - urrgh). So I need the perfect clarifying and moisturizing shampoo. I'm considering the ORS line since I love their mayo and deep conditioner.

Deep condition: instead of alternating weekly between protein and moisturizing DC, i've decided to use the ORS Replenishing Conditioner (mixed with coconut oil) every week.

Protein treatment: every two weeks - ORS Mayonnaise or DIY (egg/honey/olive/mayo).

Leave-in: I think I'll stick to my Dermorganics argan oil leave-in. It keeps my hair shiny and it's argan oil so double thumbs up.

Moisture and seal: I'm sticking to my S-Curl moisturizer and now sealing with castor oil because castor oil thickens my hair. I notice thinning when I use coconut oil (even though I love sealing with coconut oil).


Note: I'll randomly do a porosity test maybe once every 3 months to see if I need to do ACV rinse.

So...VOILA! That is as simple as I'm going to get. So in summary, here is my staple regimen for this second chapter of my HJ:

1. Moisturizing shampoo (to source - every washday)
2. Clarifying shampoo (to source - first washday of every month)
3. Protein treatment (ORS hair mayonnaise or DIY - once every two weeks)
4. Moisturizing/light protein deep conditioner (ORS replenishing conditioner - every washday)
5. Leave-in conditioner (Dermorganics argan oil - for now - every washday)
6. Moisturizer (S-Curl - everyday)
7. Sealant (Castor oil - everyday)
8. Peppermint + Jojoba oil (scalp massages - twice a week - Sat & Weds)
9. Hair vitamins (Biotin...everyday!)

Extras (if I feel the need to)
1. Prepoo (coconut oil)
2. Porosity balance (ACV rinse)
3. Aphogee 2min reconstructor (quick protein infusion; I also use it on relaxer day)


That's as simple as I can get with a hair regimen! x

17/8: Week post relaxer

So today is my wash day a week after applying relaxer, here's what I plan to do:

Pre-Poo: Coconut Oil
.... pre-poo is something I don't usually do because my shampoos are already moisturizing and pre-poo is meant to protect against the over-stripping effect of harsh shampoos. But I'm doing it today just because it's the start of the second part of my hair journey so giving my hair that special TLC!

Shampoo: Dermorganics Sulfate-free Conditioning Shampoo
...I normally use this when there's no new growth because it's not strong enough to wash dandruff when the hair is due.

Protein Treatment: ORS Hair Mayonnaise
....my jar is almost finished so I'll manage what I have. This step is the most important step a week after relaxer to return lost protein to broken structures of the hair!

Deep Condition: ORS Replenishing Conditioner
...to restore moisture as always.

Damage repair: Dermorganic Masque Intensive Hair Repair
...this is like a conditioner with keratin that repairs the hair, balances its pH, and seals the curticles. Good for newly-relaxed hair. (Can skip this step if you have no time for that!)

Leave-in treatment: Dermorganic leave-in with argan oil


Then at night, moisturize with S-Curl and seal with Castor Oil.

Growth Achieved: 11/04/2013 - 10/08/2013

Whoo hoo!!!! I am soooooooo excited!! Super excited!!!! Hair grows 1/2 inch per month, i stretched for 4 months desperately retaining length. Now my hair looks like it's grown 2 inches long. I don't know how to measure oo but I can see my hair has covered the back of my neck so there :P 

No regrets. :-)

The Journey So Far...bloopers, wins, fails, and verdicts

My journey began this time 4 months ago, I was so excited to retouch! It's been a ride and here is a brief review:

10 Products I Will Buy Again

1. Organic root stimulator hair mayonnaise

    The big jar lasts about 5 uses (I have a massive head full of hair! Quantity of use increases bcos of new growth). If your hair is experiencing breakage or dryness, I highly recommend this.

2. Organic root stimulator replenishing conditioner

    Mixed with coconut oil is pure magic! This is especially beautiful when you have new growth - you can feel the difference.

3. Coconut oil

    Oh my gawwwd, I cannot stress this enough, this stuff is a great SEALANT! It doesn't stick to the hair; it penetrates. I HATE rubbing oil off hair everyday (Olive oil anybody?). So coconut oil is the way to go. Again, it's great with deep conditioning.

4. S-Curl moisturizer

    Not only does this penetrate well and doesn't weigh hair down, it smells good! You'll smell delicious and people will tell you. :-)
5. Hair bun/donut and crochet needle

6. Creme of Nature Argan oil intensive conditioning treatment

     Smells great. Does its job. Can't complain.

7. Creme of Nature Argan oil moisture and shine shampoo

    Cleans and moisturizes; a bit too moisturizing though so you might think you still have dirty scalp when you don't.

8. Dermorganics argan oil leave-in treatment

    Just because it has argan oil...

9. Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

    Smells great. Instant shine.

10. Aphogee 2-min reconstructor

5 Products I Won't Buy Again
1. Alberto V05 clarifying shampoo and conditioner
    Horribly tangles my hair. This stuff just ain't for me.
2. Wave nouveau moisturizer
    I CANNOT STAND THE SMELL. I just can't.
3. Aubrey organics GPB balancing conditioner
   Can't see any difference. Doesn't move me in any way.
4. Keracare humecto creme conditioner
    I take smell seriously huh? lol well this stuff STINKS.
5. Paul Mitchel Moisture Mist
    Hardens my hair instead of moisturizing it...

Things I haven't been consistent with
1. Scalp massages (w/ peppermint oil + jojoba oil)
2. Hair vitamins daily
3. Haven't used my glycerin for anything yet

Things to try
1. Aloe vera gel for hair when it's in a bun
2. Castor oil to solve thinning strands (I've learnt my hair thins out pretty quickly so I'm thinking of sealing with castor oil once a week to thicken it)
3. Herbal Essences hello hydration moisture & shine shampoo
4. Herbal Essences hello hydration moisture & shine conditioner

Things to do better
1. Scalp massages
2. Use vitamins
3. Install protective braids 5 weeks before relaxing.
4. Never leave hair out in the cold


Most memorable blooper: after CLARIFYING my hair, I mistakenly coated my hair with a moisturizing shampoo thinking it was my deep conditioner! You can imagine my horror. Waste of shampoo and over-stripping hair!! *_*

Biggest challenge: overcoming laziness especially with moisturizing everyday and washing every wash day regardless of visitors and distractions!


All in all, I will keep the journey going and God help me I achieve my APL goal! See pictures in next post (eeeek excited!) x

Crochet and Retouch Date Moved Forward by 1 Month

So my protective style a month ago was crochet braids with Freetress (as seen in pic).

I learnt how to install crochet on YouTube, taught my flatmate and she installed them for me.

p.s: The crochet needle is now my best friend; it's affordable and so much easy to use so if you get one, don't lose it!

Anyway, I had the hairstyle in for 2 weeks, but I have to say it's hard to maintain. Between consistently having to use olive oil to re-curl each strand, trimming tangled or rough ends and moisturizing my hair underneath, I got tired. So I removed it; but I did enjoy the time I had it on as it was my first crochet ever.


Relaxer date moved forward by 1 month

So I was supposed to relax my hair a week after removal but I decided to move the date forward to the 11th August (this weekend!). So I had my hair out as I didn't want any braids or weaves in. I put it in corn rolls and rocked my wig to protect it. A week ago (pre-relaxer regimen), I experience some breakage (probably due to the cold and stretching) so I decided to do the Aphogee 2-step treatment (if you're a hair addict like me, you must have heard of it right?). That stuff does what it does - infuses protein and thickens hair. But you have to be very careful because sadly, I got an eye shot of it and I had to get my behind to the pharmacy.

I have to say stretching by 4 months have been nothing but difficult. My hair started to break and it was hard to maintain (it doesn't help my deep conditioners have run out!) I'll have to revert to every 3 months from now on. But it was worth a try!

Anyway, so my relaxer date is tomorrow and I REALLY cannot wait to see how long my hair's grown (if it has! =O). Fingers crossed!

New Growth

x

Coconut Oil + Deep Conditioning

Coconut Oil is THE BUSINESS for New Growth

I'm currently 10 weeks post relaxer, hooray! So far so good. I've had little breakage and minimal shedding and I have been retaining length. I've just finished washing my hair and I've got to note that I'm not really feeling the popular Alberto Moisture Milks Conditioner, that stuff tangles my hair! Anyway, I managed to detangle with a tail comb and for deep conditioning, I applied my ORS Replenishing Conditioner. I also applied coconut oil to the ends, roots and all over the hair.

I really needed moisture back in my hair this week because MY MOISTURIZERS - S CURL and WAVE NOUVEAU RAN OUT a few days back!!! To make matters worse it's winter in this side of the world and cold dries hair out. It's true when they say black hair thrives on moisture! Also I want to note that the Paul Mitchell Daily Moisture Mist sucks. Thought I could make do with that but it hardens my hair! Won't be buying again after this runs out.

So all in all, my new growth was hard as hell and hard to comb so I thought why not add coconut oil to my deep conditioner this week. I gotta tell you, this was a fab decision because after sitting under the steamer and washing the conditioner out after 20-30 mins, my hair (most importantly my ends and roots) felt so moisturized and silky soft. I ran a wide tooth comb through it and it just made sweet love to my roots. Applying coconut oil also replenishes the oil the hair lost during the shampoo process. I applied my leave-in (Argan oil) and left hair to air-dry.

Protective Style Pre-Relaxer: Crochet Braids

I'll be self-installing crochet braids this week and will leave it on for 2 weeks. My next retouch should've been on the 13th of July but I'll do it the following week since I'm braiding late. Will remove the crochet on the 13th of July and give the hair a week's rest and the necessary prep pre-relaxer.

Update: Porosity and Skin Care

Hair Porosity Update
So remember I rinsed my hair with diluted apple cider vinegar on my wash day (2 days ago). So yesterday before putting my hair in cornrolls (my latest protective hairstyle), I did the porosity test with 2 shed strands. Both strands stayed on the surface = low porosity. This means my cuticles are tightly closed (not good!) and I'm aiming for normal porosity (where hair sinks to the middle of the jar). So I'm guessing next ACV rinse, I won't use as much ACV. But anyway, I'll do another test right after I deep condition next washday and see what happens. That'll indicate whether I need to repeat the ACV rinse or not. And if so, I'll put less ACV this time!



Skin Care Update
As you know by now, I've been doing the facial steam weekly. Let me remind you the steps: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Steam, Mask, Tone, Moisturize. I initially used a combination of honey, avocado and coconut oil as a mask but it was too messy. So this time around I used the Montagne Jennesse Squeezed Lemon Green Tea Peel Off. That ish smells gooooood y'all!!! Whether these products work or not, of course will depend on the results in the long run.

Anyway the main point of this post is to let you guys know that I'll be choosing my products around my need for: even skin tone and getting rid of hyper-pigmentation which I have from years of pimples (just my oily skin luck huh!). There are way too many natural items these days so I'll just pick the ones suited to my needs. Therefore, I'm going to try out the following for a couple of weeks:

Moisturizer: Aloe Vera Gel (although it's generally for dry skin, it absorbs into my skin anyway and I feel hydrated and moisturized so thumbs up). Also Aloe Vera is said to be good for acne - so double thumbs up!

Face Mask (during facial steam): Lemon juice (1/2 squeezed) + Manuka Honey (2 tsp) - Lemon is known for treating pimples and brightening dark spots. Because it's quite strong which can cause itchiness, it's advisable to mix it with honey which in itself is a moisturizing ingredient. So hopefully this should be a staple mask for me.

Hyper-pigmentation Daily Treatment Serum: I'm still on the hunt for the perfect organic product to help with my dark spots. I'll be using it as part of my nightly washes (cleanser > serum > moisturizer).

Body Lotion: Still thinking about this as well - was thinking Shea butter but I don't think my oily skin would agree. Or what do you think? So yeah, still on the hunt. I'll miss my Nivea body lotion (love that stuff).



So that's it ladies! I'm really keen on getting healthy glowing skin by the end of this year x

Wash Day 25/05/13: Did my first ACV rinse

So a week ago on my wash day, I wanted to see how porous my hair was. Hair porosity test determines the condition of the cuticles and how well moisture penetrates and stays in the cuticle layer of the hair shaft. See below.

A popular way to test this is to dip a strand of shed hair - wet or dry - into a jar of water. I would advise your hair is not coated in oil as this will skew the results and sink under water anyway. The strand stays on top if its porosity is low and sinks to the bottom if its highly porous. We want it to stay in the middle (normal porosity). So I did the test after shampooing and within seconds my 2 test strands sunk = highly porous.

When it's highly porous, it means that it absorbs moisture but it loses it as fast as the cuticles are too open to retain it. This is bad news because too much moisture can lead to breakage, and that's the last thing I want. So I decided that yesterday I would fix this.

How I'm fixing my highly porous hair
Wash day yesterday: I shampoo'd with a moisturizing shampoo then deep conditioned with a moisturizing conditioner under the Secura Steamer (yes I finally used it!). Then I did the ACV rinse. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and it's known for closing the cuticles. So I added 1/4 cup of ACV in 2 cups of diluted water and 5 drops of lavender oil. After washing out the deep conditioner WITH COLD WATER (cold water also closes the cuticles), I poured the ACV mix over my head. That shit stunk y'all lol But not too bad.

Then I applied my Dermorganics Hair Masque to further close my cuticles and balance my hair pH, washed it out and applied my Dermorganics Argan Oil leave-in to kill the ACV smell. Applied moisturizer (my mix of glycerin + olive oil + jojoba oil + diluted water) and further sealed with coconut oil. Then air dried and put my hair in a bun.

Change of Sealant: I'll also start doing the LOC method - moisturize, seal with oil (olive/coconut), further seal with butter (mango butter/shea butter). I changed my sealing oil from almond oil because even though it's odorless, it's too light and it feels as if it doesn't penetrate as my hair gets very oily. Although normal porous hair should absorb whatever you put on it so maybe it's 'cause mine is highly porous.

Anyway, I will repeat the same process next wash day and test my hair porosity again and see if there's any improvement.


Until then.... stay cool!
x


p.s: I still want the Roux Porosity Control!!!

Finally did my first facial steam - Secura

So a few hours ago, I used the Secura hair and face steamer.

Here's what I did:

Step 1: Washed face with cleanser and used St Ives Apricot Scrub

Step 2: Steamed distilled water in the steamer, and steamed face for 10 mins

Step 3: Applied mask - Avocado + Honey + Coconut Oil; left on for 20 mins

Step 4: Rinsed face with distilled water to close pores. Applied toner with a cotton ball - Apple cider vinegar (ACV) + 10 drops of tea tree oil + green tea + distilled water

Step 5: Moisturized with Palmolive 100% Aloe Vera Gel


Results: Glowing skin; non-drying. Steamer feels nice and safe to use. Love the whole process but I guess results will be glaring with continuous use. I'll start deep conditioning with the steamer as well.



Currently: Hair is in corn-rolls. I'm moisturizing and sealing with coconut oil every two nights (then put it back in corn-rolls). Still on the hunt for protective weave styles, seriously considering the ombre effect style. Will keep you updated. Ciao! :-)

Last wash day commentary 30th April, 13

Hey queens how y'all doing!

Yet again I couldn't wash on Saturday (normal wash days) as I was too busy entertaining visitors. I was travelling on Tuesday so I decided to wash that morning as I wouldn't get the chance to do it away from home. So I did the moisturizing shampooing and DC'ing. I used the Dermorganics Shampoo and Masque, followed by the ORS Replenishing Conditioner. Since I bought the dermorganics range, I found that it lathers well and hair is moisturized, but I'm not so sure if it shampoos clean. The day after, I literally scratched a bit of dandruff off my scalp. I thought my hair was clean after two washes but I guess it wasn't.

Also, I had quite some shedding afterwards (see picture) but I guess it's not that bad. All in all, it was an okay thing. I couldn't use rollers as I was travelling that day, so I just put it in a bun and let it air-dry.

Unfortunately, I traveled outta town to a place colder than where I'm at. And the cold took a toll on my hair in terms of how often I moisturized/sealed and exposed my hair. I literally HAD TO wear my satin bonnet indoor and put the hair in a bun or braid out to go outdoor. So that got me thinking about what to do when winter hits MY town! I've got a few ideas in my mind which will be discussed in the next post. Stay Tuned!!

CURRENT LENGTH

Hair journey ain't easy, but it's the goal that keeps me going. Stay motivated! :-)

Journey officially started on the 11th of April! So far so good...

Hey... man ain't been on for a week and a half now, blogging ain't easy y'all! So my bad on the lateness.

So my HJ started last Thursday - started with relaxing and ended with straightening. Here's what I did:

Step 1: base scalp with Vaseline and applied it to protect relaxed ends.

Step 2: Got my wonderful flatmate to relax hair (cannot remember the name of relaxer) and this time you guys, I followed the instructions in terms of how long you should leave it on for. So I left it for 25 mins. It's bad habit to go over prescribed time (i'm especially speaking to you Africans out there, y'all know yourselves lol...)

Step 3: Washed it all out with warm water. Then applied the ApHogee-keratin 2-min re-constructor made to "restore strength and softness".... left it on for 2 minutes and washed, and verdict? Hair felt kinda hard... dunno why. But it got better when I did step 4 and 5...

Step 4: Neutralized the crack outta my hair till it turned absolutely white! Ain't nobody gat time for burns...

Step 5: Deep conditioned with the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment which is a moisturizing DC. Used plastic cap and my new Leila Ali bonnet dryer (this dryer is good yo!) Washed out after 25 mins. Hair felt normal again.

Step 6: Applied leave-in, blow dried, and straightened at low-medium heat using Tresemme thermal heat protectant spray. Then applied argan oil for shine. See pictures below.

p.s: Hair grew a couple of inches but we'll really see the difference in 3 months time (next relaxer).

Wet hair before blow drying                                                                

Hair after blow-drying

Hair after flat ironing and Argan oil

I've been moisturizing and sealing every 2 days since, now it's once a day because it's getting into the colder months in this side of the world. After that, I put my hair donut on to protect the ends, spray sheen if needed, and I'm good to go! I've had minimal shedding so far (maybe 20-30 strands per day which is normal). But my hair needs elasticity after all that chemical so I cannot wait to proteinize tomorrow (washday).


Next washday: 20th April, 2013. Till next time.

Peace n Love. x

Wash Day! 3 days late but better late than never...

So my wash day is usually Saturdays but I was too busy attending functions this weekend (my poor hair). I'm also terribly busy with studies. I eventually diverted from my busy schedule today and gave my hair some attention finally. So my next relaxer is this Thursday, so my regimen a week before relaxers is to apply a medium protein treatment after shampoo and before deep conditioning. This time, I left the products on my hair for about 15-30 mins as I really needed to squeeze a lotta things into my day (How time flies!). Here was my process and mini review of products:

Step 1: Section hair into four parts. Pre-poo'd with oils for 30 mins (applied towel heat but I don't think it made a difference).

Step 2: Washed oils in shower. Shampoo'd each parted section ONCE with a moisturizing shampoo Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo. I shampoo'd once because I don't want my scalp totally clean as I will be applying relaxer in 2 days and it will burn if it's too clean. This is what I get for washing late... *smack*.

Result of shampoo: soft hair, most especially soft new growth, not over-drying, lathers extremely well, smells great.

Step 3: Towel-dried, then detangled by combing each section with the tail bit of a tail comb. It's much better because wet hair is too fragile to comb.

Step 4: Applied ORS Hair Mayonnaise to protein-treat to each 4 sections. Applied towel-heat. Left on for 20 mins.

Step 5: Washed off and towel-dried. Result: the ORS Hair Mayo is the bizness! This will be my 2nd time using it, it just makes your hair feel really good to finger comb through.

Step 6: Deep conditioned the same parted style with Keracare Humecto Creme Conditioner - a moisturizing conditioner. Towel-heated and left on for 20 mins. Result: Nothing special, it stinks like a gutter too. Poof! The smell just masked any other benefits it may have had on my hair.

Step 7: Washed off with cold water to close the cuticles. Towel-dried. Applied my leave-in (Dermorganics).

Step 8: Used tail comb to part sub-sections within each hair sections to comb with a wide-tooth comb (comment if this isn't clear), applied S-Curl moisturizer and sealed with almond oil.

Step 9: Air-dried by tying the hair into a ponytail. I didn't have time to put in rollers so left the hair to dry itself. I'll be relaxing it soon anyway so no qualms!


Reason for sectioning hair into 4: Aside from easy application, I told y'all last week that my hair tangled when I clarified after taking my braids off (even though I combed it before shampoo). I didn't section it then, I just washed the entire head at once. So I was careful this time. Sectioning helped me comb tough new growth and delicate wet hair so I had minimal shed hair. And I had NO TANGLES.

So that is it for now! I'll be back on Relaxer Day....

Until then, keep them locks healthy !! x

The braids have finally come off!

Hey queenies, it's been a while.

Yesterday, I took my braids off (after 6 weeks). I experienced a lot of shedding (as I always do after removing braids). However, I managed to reduce the amount of shedding by spraying each braid with conditioner (Murray's Spray Unlock) for sleek removal, and detangling and combing sections with a wide tooth comb. Requires a lot of time and patience!! I cried a little inside as I pulled out shed hair. But it was worth it. Anyway, my hair was dry, but it had grown a couple of inches since I put the braids in.

After taking the braids out, I went on to pre-poo using a mix of EVOO, coconut oil and a tsp of castor oil. Wrapped it in shower cap and hot towel for 2 hours. It would've been faster and better with a steamer but I'm still waiting for my voltage converter to arrive... bummer. So, after pre-poo, I went on to clarify my hair with VO5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze to remove all the buildup. This product smelled good, only requires two washes, my hair felt squeaky clean. However, my hair tangled and I lost a couple more strands detangling. Not sure of the cause yet... but I'll find out later.

After clarifying, I went on to deep condition with GPB Balancing Conditioner (mix of protein and moisture) which my hair desperately needed. Wrapped it in shower cap and hot towel (microwaved every hour) for 6 hours. Washed it out and my new growth felt soft and hair smelled real yummy. After this, I applied my Dermorganics leave-in (argan oil), then the ORS wrap/mousse, then put it in rollers for straightening. Wore my silk bonnet and went to bed. Woke up, removed rollers, applied coconut oil to entire hair for shine, moisturized the ends and sealed with almond oil. My hair felt more manageable/calm. Then I pony-tailed it into a bun! LOVE the hair donut! See end result.

I'll be relaxing either next week or the week after (depending on my patience with combing and maintaining my thick as a mutha...new growth). See the new growth....




Stay tuned!

Where are you and where would you like to be?

Mine is currently neck length, aiming for shoulder length by the end of the year at least.

Sweat Your Way to Fabulous Skin - Tips for Flawless Skin

I do love a great steam! In addition to hair care, I'll be starting casual Hot Yoga (that's yoga in a moderate steam room...yes) this Friday. I'll also be starting at-home steam facials (steam -> mask). I have just ordered Montagne Jennesse Squeezed Lemon Green Tea Peel Off this chick recommended. I did research on it of course and found that many love their products (as in it works) and best of all - ingredients are au naturale. So thumbs up. I'll be doing reviews later on. Gotta get that skin glowing. Stay healthy!

A working regimen I've drawn up (UPDATED)

BEGINNING OF EVERY MONTH

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + Castor oil

Step 2: Clarify

            : - Alberto Vo5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

            : - Lanza daily clarifying shampoo

Step 3: Protein treatment

            : - ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Step 4: Moisturizing DC

            : - Crème of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Step 5: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 6: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 7: Rollers and dryer

Step 8: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

EVERY SATURDAY (washday)

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + Castor oil

Step 2: Moisturizing shampoo

            : - Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo

            : - Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisture and Shine Shampoo

            : - V05 Deep Nourishing Elixir Shampoo

: - Crème of nature argan oil moisture shine shampoo

: - Neutrogena triple moisture shampoo

Step 3: Moisturizing OR protein DC (alternate weekly)

            : - Moisturizing DC: - Neutrogena triple moisture daily deep conditioner

                                          : - Crème of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

            : - Protein DC: ORS replenishing conditioner

Step 4: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 5: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 6: Rollers and dryer

Step 7: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

           

EVERYDAY

Overnight

Step 1: Moisture

            : - S curl activator moisturizing spray

            : - Homemade moisture spritz: jojoba + olive + glycerin + distilled water

Step 2: Seal

            : - Almond oil (Because it’s odorless and light)

Step 3: Protect

            : - Wrap in silk/satin scarf

Daily

Step 1: Shine/moisture

            : - coconut oil

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

            : - Nexxus Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisture Leave-In Spray

Step 2: Short-term protective styling

            : - Hair donut

Every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday night

Step: Massage scalp with oil (alternate mix monthly)

            : - Peppermint/Jojoba/Eucalyptus

            : - Peppermint/Jojoba/Rosemary

            : - Coconut/Jojoba/Peppermint

            : - 2/3 drops of lavender + 2/3 tsp. of castor oil (warm)

If after heavy gyming or swimming

Co-wash with:

            : - Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner

: - V05 Moisture Milks conditioner

LONG-TERM PROTECTIVE STYLING REGIMEN

Braids/Weave Removal ON WASHDAY

Step 1: Condition

            : - Crème of Nature braid & weave ease out

: - Murray’s Spray Unlock

Step 2: Detangle with tail comb as I go; then comb with wide-tooth comb

Step 3: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + castor oil

Step 4: Clarify

            :- Alberto Vo5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

            :- Lanza daily clarifying shampoo

            :- Giovanni 50:50 Balanced hydrating-clarifying shampoo

Step 4: Moisturizing & protein DC

            : - Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Conditioner

Step 5: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 6: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 7: Rollers and dryer

Step 8: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

RELAXER REGIMEN (every 3 months)

1 WEEK BEFORE RELAXER

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + castor oil

Step 2: Clarify (if I clarified the week before when I would’ve removed a long-term protective style, then I would just use a moisturizing shampoo)

            :- Alberto Vo5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

            :- Lanza daily clarifying shampoo

Step 3: Protein treatment

            : - ORS Hair Mayo

Step 4: Moisturizing DC

            : - Keracare humecto crème conditioner

Step 5: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 6: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 7: Rollers and dryer

Step 8: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

RELAXER DAY

Step 1: Base scalp

: - Creme of Nature Professional Scalp Protector  

Step 2: Relax

            : - Beautiful Beginning

            : - Olive oil

Step 3: Wash relaxer with water

Step 4: Apply Aphogee 2-min reconstructor

Step 5: Neutralize

Step 6: Moisturizing DC

            : - Crème of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Step 7: Leave-in (kit) with my dermorganics leave-in (take pic for length check)

Step 8: Blow dry

Step 9: Protect and flat iron (trim and take pics)

            : - Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Step 10: Shine

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

1 WEEK AFTER RELAXER

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + castor oil

Step 2: Moisturizing shampoo

            : - Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo

Step 3: Protein treatment

            : - ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Step 4: Moisturizing DC

            : - Keracare humecto crème conditioner

Step 4: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 5: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 6: Rollers and dryer

Step 7: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

DAMAGED HAIR REGIMEN

Washday

Hot oil treatment with Keracare Essential Oils for the hair

Shampoo with Dove damage therapy daily moisture shampoo

Condition with Dove damage therapy daily moisture conditioner

OR if dry hair, with:

Herbal essences hello hydration moisture & shine shampoo

Herbal essences hello hydration moisture & shine conditioner

Deep condition with either:
            Aussie 3 minute miracle deep conditioner

Garnier fructis fortifying DC 3 min masque

Neutrogena triple moisture deep recovery hair mask

Macadamia natural oil deep repair mask

ORS HAIRepair Nourishing Conditioner

Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

Apply leave-in and roller set

Hard Protein treatment (once every 6 weeks)

Aphogee 2-step treatment

Aphogee balancing conditioner

Detangling

Paul Mitchell The Detangler

Instruments: Wide tooth comb, satin/silk scarf and pillow case, plastic shower cap, hooded dryer, rollers, supplements

Handy reminder

Essential oils: lavender, chamomile, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, lemon, myrrh, eucalyptus

Carrier oils: jojoba, olive, coconut, castor, vitamin E, avocado