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