Neutrogena Triple Moisture
Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Lotion
Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Mist
Motions Leave In
Lavish Curls Moisturizer
Kinky Curly Detangler/Moisturizer
reviews coming soon!
Dec 26, 2011
Wash day!
ok so for Christmas I got the Turby twist. Just looks like a regular towel to me, but hey what better day to use it than today.
So today I am prepooing with Suave Naturals- Wild Cherry Blossom and EVOO. I usually do my Peppermint mix, but its in the room w a sleeping Kid and Im not taking any chances :D
I did buy a new Moisturizer. Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1 based off a suggestion. Silly me didn't check the ingredients it has the dreaded MINERAL OIL. Ugh, if I saw that I would've left this on the shelf. To be honest, I really want to just dump the entire bottle. I now need to replace a Protein Moisturizer. See, when I need one I can't fine one! Haha anyway this is what the bottle looks like:
Don't be deceived. It smells good but isn't great on hair. In fact, I really should start doing Product reviews. Haha, coming soon. That should help a lot of ladies out.
So today I am prepooing with Suave Naturals- Wild Cherry Blossom and EVOO. I usually do my Peppermint mix, but its in the room w a sleeping Kid and Im not taking any chances :D
I did buy a new Moisturizer. Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1 based off a suggestion. Silly me didn't check the ingredients it has the dreaded MINERAL OIL. Ugh, if I saw that I would've left this on the shelf. To be honest, I really want to just dump the entire bottle. I now need to replace a Protein Moisturizer. See, when I need one I can't fine one! Haha anyway this is what the bottle looks like:
Don't be deceived. It smells good but isn't great on hair. In fact, I really should start doing Product reviews. Haha, coming soon. That should help a lot of ladies out.
Dec 24, 2011
Cowashed for the first time in 6 mths
I only did it because I used that Ecostyler Gel everyone was raving about, well it left my hair White! LOL so I ended up Cowashing w some Suave Conditioner. I didn't want to go to Grandma's House with Hair whiter than hers. I washed my Hair w Shampoo about 3 days ago
Dec 19, 2011
I think I need to up my M&S'ing
I've noticed now lately that my Hair sucks up moisture. Even after sealing. I think I am going to add a M&S in the Morning now. I'm not sure if it's the Weather or what. My Hair is always covered when I go outside.
Dec 16, 2011
My Monthly Protein treatment
I took this ORS Hair Mayo that (btw, doesn't smell like normal. I don't know what's going on. I am used to a pleasant smell and this smells like some awful Men's Cologne.) I mixed EVOO, a little Peppermint Oil, and Rosemary to make it smell a little better
I'm about to sit under the dryer for maybe 20 minutes if I make it that long. I know, I know what you're thinking, this is already the 3rd time I'm washing my Hair in 1 week. To be fair though, I put some heavy crap on my Hair and that's what caused the 2nd wash. This is my Monthly protein so it's excuseable for the extra wash. In my mind anyway :)
Okay so heres the steps I took today. How I always do my hard Protein treatments Monthly
I used my ORS Hair Mayo(today is the first time I mixed, usually I use it as is)
I sat under the dryer for 25-30 min w Heat and Plastic cap
I rinsed
I washed with a Moisturizing Shampoo. Today I used HE in the Purple bottle forgot the name
DC'd with Suave Tropical Coconut w Heat for approx. 20-25 minutes
Rinsed
ACV Rinse on the last rinse
Apply Leave ins
Air Dry
Put in Protective style of choice
leave as is, or tie down w Scarf.
I'm about to sit under the dryer for maybe 20 minutes if I make it that long. I know, I know what you're thinking, this is already the 3rd time I'm washing my Hair in 1 week. To be fair though, I put some heavy crap on my Hair and that's what caused the 2nd wash. This is my Monthly protein so it's excuseable for the extra wash. In my mind anyway :)
Okay so heres the steps I took today. How I always do my hard Protein treatments Monthly
I used my ORS Hair Mayo(today is the first time I mixed, usually I use it as is)
I sat under the dryer for 25-30 min w Heat and Plastic cap
I rinsed
I washed with a Moisturizing Shampoo. Today I used HE in the Purple bottle forgot the name
DC'd with Suave Tropical Coconut w Heat for approx. 20-25 minutes
Rinsed
ACV Rinse on the last rinse
Apply Leave ins
Air Dry
Put in Protective style of choice
leave as is, or tie down w Scarf.
Dec 15, 2011
What I plan on doing when I hit my HJ goals of WL
Um, I'm going to straighten my Hair with a Flat iron one good time and enjoy my Hair finally. These buns suck and I hate wearing them daily but I know I have a goal and that is WL. I'm going to be doing so many different styles. I can't wait until someone says "Are you mixed?" "Is that all your Hair"(which I get now actually)
Do you have a Hair blog you want me to follow?
I appreciate you following mine and do not mind returning the favor.
Just put your blog address in the comment box below. Thanks :D
Just put your blog address in the comment box below. Thanks :D
Dec 12, 2011
I know I just washed it but..
I'm so tempted to wash it again. I just hate all that I have to do on a wash day. Ugh. I dont know yet. I put a little more JBCO than I should have and now my Hair feels heavy. Not sure if I want to yet.
Dec 9, 2011
Night before a wash day!
so its Night before a wash day. So far I've moisturized earlier
in the afternoon I oiled my Scalp w JBCO
and now here I am at night, in preparation for tomorrow. I used my
EVOO, Peppermint and Rosemary Oil mix + I used Tropical Suave Conditioner and put a plastic cap/bag over it.
and most likely I'll keep it on overnight. I don't want to over condition so Im debating washing it out tonight. Not sure yet. I do know that this Peppermint is strong!I have this mixed and still, my Scalp is perked up if that makes sense :)
in the afternoon I oiled my Scalp w JBCO
and now here I am at night, in preparation for tomorrow. I used my
EVOO, Peppermint and Rosemary Oil mix + I used Tropical Suave Conditioner and put a plastic cap/bag over it.
and most likely I'll keep it on overnight. I don't want to over condition so Im debating washing it out tonight. Not sure yet. I do know that this Peppermint is strong!I have this mixed and still, my Scalp is perked up if that makes sense :)
Dec 6, 2011
I'm loving my Hair thanks to ACV Rinses
I have just been M&S'ing it and I love how it stays moisturized. I accredit that to ACV Rinses. I found out about them after watching this Hair Journey Vid on YT. The young lady has since deleted her vid, but she used ACV after every Wash. I took it on and I'll be using this for the rest of my time on Earth. My Hair absorbs moisture so quickly. I love how it makes my Hair feel and look. It never leaves a lasting scent either. If anyone uses it and it leaves a scent, they didn't dilute it well enough with Water. I just wanted to share how awesome I think ACV rinse are. They definitely cured my Porosity issues.
Dec 2, 2011
back to M&S'ing 2x daily
Since starting the ACV rinses every wash, my Hair absorbs moisture so quick. I have to up my moisture :) don't want any breakage and I'm using Neutrogena Triple Moisture and Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter to seal. I just love the way these Products smell.
Dec 1, 2011
Wash Day #2
Prepooed with EVOO + a little HE Conditioner w Heat for 20-25 min
Shampooed w HE Shampoo and Conditioner
ACV Rinse
Applied Leave Ins (Lavish Curls Moisturizer)
Sealed w EVOO
Tied Hair down with Satin Scarf
My hair, is back to being its nice light self. Hardly any shedding and it snaps back the way it's supposed to :)
Shampooed w HE Shampoo and Conditioner
ACV Rinse
Applied Leave Ins (Lavish Curls Moisturizer)
Sealed w EVOO
Tied Hair down with Satin Scarf
My hair, is back to being its nice light self. Hardly any shedding and it snaps back the way it's supposed to :)
I have my favorites Products back
so I stopped at my local BSS and got my favorite Products back:
Lavish Curls Moisturizer
WN Finishing Mist
Neutrogena Triple Moisture
and a new Product I've never used:
Fantasia IC Leave- In Hair and Scalp Treatment
So now on to Wash #2 for the Week. I don't like washing my Hair so often, but My Hair is saying "Wash me now!" So I have to.
Lavish Curls Moisturizer
WN Finishing Mist
Neutrogena Triple Moisture
and a new Product I've never used:
Fantasia IC Leave- In Hair and Scalp Treatment
So now on to Wash #2 for the Week. I don't like washing my Hair so often, but My Hair is saying "Wash me now!" So I have to.
ORS Moisturizing Lotion is the Devil!
It's the most awful, sponge like Product I ever used. I used it before, but after watching ulovemegz regimen this Year, I decided, let me try it again. It sucked the Moisture right out of my Hair. I just washed my Hair only 2 days ago and since it's so incredibly greasy and heavy again because of this Product, here I am 12/1, Prepooing in preparation for another wash. I hate the way that crap makes my Hair feel. I will never use it again! Phooey!
Nov 29, 2011
Wash Day again!
Coated my Hair and Scalp w JBCO
Applied my Prepoo Oil mix of Amla,Peppermint,Rosemary, and EVOO oil to my Hair
Covered w Plastic cap/bag
Sat under dryer for 25-30 min
Wash hair w HE Shampoo
DC'd w Conditioner w heat 20-25 min
ACV Rinse
Apply leave ins
Tied down Hair with Scarf
Applied my Prepoo Oil mix of Amla,Peppermint,Rosemary, and EVOO oil to my Hair
Covered w Plastic cap/bag
Sat under dryer for 25-30 min
Wash hair w HE Shampoo
DC'd w Conditioner w heat 20-25 min
ACV Rinse
Apply leave ins
Tied down Hair with Scarf
Nov 24, 2011
JBCO is back on my Hair Menu
I stopped in the local BSS and found JBCO.I could not believe it. I'm thrilled. I got great results using it last time and I am incorporating it into my Regimen. I'm so happy.
What I did today
Flat ironed and used ORS Mois Lotion as protectant. I don't think I used it hot enough. My Hair was straight, but not as sleek as I would've liked. I'm going to get some Fantasia Serum next time I flat iron. Someone on Hairlista let me know that her Hair gets really shiny with this product.
I came home, Moisturized with Wave Nouveau. Used JBCO on my Hairline and I did not really seal with an Oil. I put Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer (a very little amount) on my ends. Bunned and tied down with Scarf
I came home, Moisturized with Wave Nouveau. Used JBCO on my Hairline and I did not really seal with an Oil. I put Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer (a very little amount) on my ends. Bunned and tied down with Scarf
Nov 23, 2011
Wash Day
applied my Peppermint/Rosemary/EVOO mix to hair.
DC'd w Heat for 25-30 min
Washed w HE Shampoo
Condition
ACV Rinse
Apply Leave-ins
Cool Bonnet Dry
Flat Iron(no more for the next 2 or 3 mths. This would be 2nd Flat Iron this Month
used ORS Moisturizing Lotion as Heat Protectant
Dry wrapped and tied down with Scarf
pic results soon to come
DC'd w Heat for 25-30 min
Washed w HE Shampoo
Condition
ACV Rinse
Apply Leave-ins
Cool Bonnet Dry
Flat Iron(no more for the next 2 or 3 mths. This would be 2nd Flat Iron this Month
used ORS Moisturizing Lotion as Heat Protectant
Dry wrapped and tied down with Scarf
pic results soon to come
I got another Oil!
Ok, well not only am I a Product Junkie, but I am most definitely an Oil Junkie. I picked up some Rosemary Oil. I have always heard that it is good for the Hair. I mixed it with EVOO and some Peppermint Oil and will be using this atleast 2x per week on my Scalp and Edges. Hope I see some results when I do my next length check in Jan or February.
Flat Iron is calling me
So ever since last week when I used a Flat Iron for the first time in Years, I am loving the way my Hair looked. I am not going to overdo the Heat. I know how bad it is for the Hair but I am surely going to wash my Hair tonight, cool Blow dry it and Flat Iron it for tomorrow. I cannot be looking a mess for Thanksgiving LOL. So I will make sure to use my ORS Moisturzing Lotion which btw is a very good Heat Protectant. It left my Hair looking oh so pretty when I did it last time. I will not Flat Iron my Hair again for atleast 2 or 3 more months. It's so easy to want sleek, silky Hair all the time, but I know how I am and it will take nothing for me to go back to my old habits and lose the length I just gained.
Nov 22, 2011
Peppermint Oil- started back
Ok so I started using a Peppermint Oil,Rosemary Oil & EVOO on my Hairline. Like you all know, it's full, but In my opinion, you can never have too much edges. I'll be using this daily before I go to bed after M&S'ing. I'll be alternating with this Oil mix and JBCO.
Nov 13, 2011
Fresh Relaxer pics from 11/12!!!
First off I must say, I am in shock! My Hair never got past my Shoulders since over 20 yrs ago. I am not using any Growth Aids. I have my Regimen here and that's really all that I've been doing. Focusing mainly on Moisturizing/Sealing, 6-8 week Protein treatments, little to no Manipulation and no heat. I did use Heat to Flat Iron my hair today (the 13th) for the first time in Years. I put ORS Moist. Lotion mainly on my Ends. Gotta protect those ends. My ponytail is longer than I've ever seen it. Now the cons, I don't like how my Hair is short in some spots. It's hard to see in the Pics below, and it's not horribly uneven where I would cut it, but dang. Also I have to stop pulling my Hair in ponytails so much, it's slowly diminishing my Edges and I need my edges!
So without further ado, My 11/12/11 Length Check pics with a Fresh Relaxer and a Flat Iron.
So without further ado, My 11/12/11 Length Check pics with a Fresh Relaxer and a Flat Iron.
Nov 12, 2011
Relaxer day @ 14 Week Post
pics coming soon!
I based my Scalp and hair strand with Amla Oil
Not one itch or burn during the entire 20 min of my Relaxer
Washed
DC'd with Hair Mayo
Rinsed w ACV
Put in leave in
Some oil and tied down w Scarf til morning
Then I put a thick creme heat protectant on Hair concentrating on my Ends
and Flat ironed my entire Hair.
Pics to come and more length retention. I can't believe it :)
No growth Aids. Just M&Si'ng , 6-8 Protein treatments and coating the ends of my Hair with oil.
I based my Scalp and hair strand with Amla Oil
Not one itch or burn during the entire 20 min of my Relaxer
Washed
DC'd with Hair Mayo
Rinsed w ACV
Put in leave in
Some oil and tied down w Scarf til morning
Then I put a thick creme heat protectant on Hair concentrating on my Ends
and Flat ironed my entire Hair.
Pics to come and more length retention. I can't believe it :)
No growth Aids. Just M&Si'ng , 6-8 Protein treatments and coating the ends of my Hair with oil.
One more recent pic I took yesterday 11/11/11 before my Touchup
I believe tonight is Relaxer night but don't quote me on that
Nov 6, 2011
Wash day, no for real this time
Ok, so I'm washing my Hair because the longer I wait, the more I don't want to do it.
Im Prepooing with Coconut/JBCO Oil Mix
using Peppermint Oil in my Scalp also and applying LTR Conditioner and sitting under the Dryer for 20-30 min
Wash with HE Drama Clean by Clairol
DC with Drama Clean conditioner + EVOO
Rinse with ACV
Apply Leave Ins.
Seal with Oil
Tie down with Scarf
and thats it
Im Prepooing with Coconut/JBCO Oil Mix
using Peppermint Oil in my Scalp also and applying LTR Conditioner and sitting under the Dryer for 20-30 min
Wash with HE Drama Clean by Clairol
DC with Drama Clean conditioner + EVOO
Rinse with ACV
Apply Leave Ins.
Seal with Oil
Tie down with Scarf
and thats it
Nov 1, 2011
Hey People!
So today will be wash day. I have been so hair Lazy lately. Don't you get like that sometimes though? It's like you know what you have to do, but you're so sluggish to do it. I've done so good sticking with a Regimen all this time. November 1st and I plan on getting back on track.
Oct 26, 2011
Slacking folks :)
Ive been M&S'ing every other day. I really think some Ladies benefit when they don't do too much to their Hair. I am one of those :) Length check Pics for October coming Nov 1st.
Oct 16, 2011
Relaxer Stretching- August 6th and going strong
I cannot believe I haven't had a Relaxer since August. I love the Texture of my Hair. I might stretch as long as I can. So far, so good.
Wash day
I oiled my hairline with Peppermint Oil
Used ORS replenishing Pak for Prepoo 30 min w/o heat
Rinsed
Shampooed with Hello Hydration by Herbal Essences
Conditioned with same Conditioner + Coconut Oil
rinse with ACV
Sealed hair with Oil Mix
tied down Hair.
Used ORS replenishing Pak for Prepoo 30 min w/o heat
Rinsed
Shampooed with Hello Hydration by Herbal Essences
Conditioned with same Conditioner + Coconut Oil
rinse with ACV
Sealed hair with Oil Mix
tied down Hair.
Oct 12, 2011
Oct 6, 2011
I can't believe it's been 9 months since I started my Hair Journey
yes, 9 months. I have gone from NL to full SL in 9 mths. Took such a long time. Now I'm pushing for the next step. I think it's MBL. Well, last Month I was slacking big time. Starting today, it's time to get back on track. I had a lot of Growth. More growth than I think I've ever had since before my Hair Journey. It's tiresome, a lot of work, but it'll be worth it in the end. So today is wash day and I am back on routine.
Wash day
Pre pooed with:
HELTR Conditioner
Coconut Oil mixed w Peppermint Oil
I ran Peppermint Oil all through my Hair
I used Suave berry conditioner + Mane and Tail conditioner
Sat under dryer for 20-30 Min
Washed with HE Drama Clean Shampoo
Deep condition with Drama Clean Conditioner
ACV rinse
Air dry
Oil scalp with Olive Oil
M&S with
Lavish Curls Moisturizer and sealed with Oil mix
Tied down Hair with Scarf
HELTR Conditioner
Coconut Oil mixed w Peppermint Oil
I ran Peppermint Oil all through my Hair
I used Suave berry conditioner + Mane and Tail conditioner
Sat under dryer for 20-30 Min
Washed with HE Drama Clean Shampoo
Deep condition with Drama Clean Conditioner
ACV rinse
Air dry
Oil scalp with Olive Oil
M&S with
Lavish Curls Moisturizer and sealed with Oil mix
Tied down Hair with Scarf
Sep 16, 2011
September pics here!
I haven't been doing anything different. I have been slacking with my M&Sing. I still Wash 1 -2 x weekly. I need to DC more often. I do moisturize my hair every other day still though.
Aug 26, 2011
Wash day
I pre pooed with Peppermint Oil, EVCO, and Mane & Tail conditioner
Washed with Porosity Control Shampoo
conditioned with Suave conditioner
Rinse w ACV
Applied Leave In
Tied down
Washed with Porosity Control Shampoo
conditioned with Suave conditioner
Rinse w ACV
Applied Leave In
Tied down
Aug 11, 2011
Peppermint Oil
So I just bought this 100% Peppermint Oil. I researched and it says it promotes Hair Growth. The Cayenne Pepper didn't do much so I'm trying this. Already I realize I should've mixed this with EVOO. I put just a Quarter size on my Hairline and massaged it in and my right Eye(where I mostly put the Oil) is like I put Peppermint in it. No it's not that severe, it just feels like my Scalp ate a Peppermint Candy. It's tingling LOL ouchie. Well, I hope this works. I'm going to try it on my Hairline first. My Hairline is already full, but you can never have too full of a Hairline if you ask me. I'll let everyone knows how this works for me.
I moisturized with Wave Nouveau. I didn't seal tonight. I just put the Peppermint Oil on my Hair line.
I moisturized with Wave Nouveau. I didn't seal tonight. I just put the Peppermint Oil on my Hair line.
Aug 10, 2011
Relaxer Touchup
So I retouched my Relaxer on August 4th. It came out really nice and straight. I have August pics to post later. I picked up some Peppermint Oil and am going to drop the Cayenne and start using the Peppermint like 2-3x a week. I didn't notice any significant growth w the Cayenne pepper mix and I didn't like the way it made my Hair feel either.
I've been M and Sin'g my Hair with Glycerin/Water or my Curls Moisturizer. My Hair looks so full and shiny. I am happy. :)
I've been M and Sin'g my Hair with Glycerin/Water or my Curls Moisturizer. My Hair looks so full and shiny. I am happy. :)
Jul 24, 2011
Wash Day
applied Cayenne/EVCO/EVOO mix to my Hairline only
I have a full Hairline,call me obsessed but to me your Hairline can never be too full.
I then applied HE conditioner throughtout my Hair
It's way too hot to sit under the Dryer so Im just going to leave it on my hair for a couple of Hours
Then wash w Moist Shampoo
DC w Conditioner
ACV Rinse
M&S
tie down with Scarf.
I have a full Hairline,call me obsessed but to me your Hairline can never be too full.
I then applied HE conditioner throughtout my Hair
It's way too hot to sit under the Dryer so Im just going to leave it on my hair for a couple of Hours
Then wash w Moist Shampoo
DC w Conditioner
ACV Rinse
M&S
tie down with Scarf.
I just have to say this. May offend
Ok, so I go to Youtube all the time and I see these Hair Journey videos. Why do Ladies with zero Hairlines, have the nerve to help ME grow MY Hair? I mean really? I want someone with thick hair in the hairline and the back, heck all of it to tell me their hair Growth/retaining tips. It makes me very unconfident when I am watching a Vid and notice that the Person's hairline is non existent. One time I left a comment on and let that person know " whats up with that hairline". I was curious. I realized it was mean and I deleted the comment. She still got it though because it hit her Inbox. Well to be fair, I did think I was being mean and deleted it. Anyway, I pay attention now and that is the first thing I see. If it's full, I'll watch but if the person is bald in the Front, Im sorry, it makes no sense for me to watch.
Jul 22, 2011
Jul 19, 2011
Cayenne Pepper/EVCO and EVOO oil mix starting today!
So I researched and saw that many ladies use Cayenne Pepper to aid in Hair Growth. I want in! So I mixed all three:
Cayenne Pepper
EVCO
and EVOO in a little plastic Baby Food container.
applied it to my edges and Hair
Put on plastic cap and will keep it on my Hair for approx 6-8 hrs.
I will then do a full wash
DC
ACV Rinse
Roller Set
Sit under cool Dryer
Dry wrap with Scarf
Cayenne Pepper
EVCO
and EVOO in a little plastic Baby Food container.
applied it to my edges and Hair
Put on plastic cap and will keep it on my Hair for approx 6-8 hrs.
I will then do a full wash
DC
ACV Rinse
Roller Set
Sit under cool Dryer
Dry wrap with Scarf
Jul 12, 2011
Wash Day 7/12/11
Applied Amla Oil
EVOO
Mane & Tail Conditioner to dry Hair
Plastic cap and sat under Dryer w Heat for 20-25 Min
Shampooed with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Lather Shampoo
Applied EVCO & Suave Reg Conditioner and DC'd with Heat for approx 25-30 min
ACV Rinse
Applied Leave Ins + tiny bit of Nourish Leave In and 911 Leave In)
I'm going to apply Moisturizer (Lavish Curls) and do 4 Plaits in my Hair
Tie down with Scarf.
EVOO
Mane & Tail Conditioner to dry Hair
Plastic cap and sat under Dryer w Heat for 20-25 Min
Shampooed with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Lather Shampoo
Applied EVCO & Suave Reg Conditioner and DC'd with Heat for approx 25-30 min
ACV Rinse
Applied Leave Ins + tiny bit of Nourish Leave In and 911 Leave In)
I'm going to apply Moisturizer (Lavish Curls) and do 4 Plaits in my Hair
Tie down with Scarf.
Jul 11, 2011
Cowash today
Nothing major at all. Just prepooed w Tropical Coconut Conditioner
ACV Rinse
Applied Kinky Curly Leave In + Water & Glycerin
Tied down hair with Scarf.
ACV Rinse
Applied Kinky Curly Leave In + Water & Glycerin
Tied down hair with Scarf.
Jul 6, 2011
Vent about Hair Forums
Long Hair Care Forum. Seriously the most confusing crap I have ever had to weed through. I joined about 3 mths ago and I still have no idea where to go for the information I need. I use Search but that isn't helping. I'm regretting paying my Membership fee now. I wish they would organize that forum better.
Hair Update 7/6/11
I got Lavish Curls Moisturizer and I absolutely love it! I used a little of that, and sprayed on some 911 Leave In and all I can say is my Hair, looks so beautiful. I want this hair to grow already. I am 2 mths Post Relaxer and my Hair still looks nice. I don't see much NG though and that could be because I was slacking and haven't Oiled my Scalp since June when I moved. Well, I'm starting back ASAP. I have to find new bun styles. Pulling it all back daily is putting stress on my Edges and I need my edges.
I washed my Hair on 7/5. I just had to. I used too much WN and my Hair was heavy and greasy
I DCd w EVCO that Night w/o Heat and then did a regular wash. Rinsed w ACV, Anytime my Hair feels heavy, I'm washing it. If I feel it's needs a Co Wash, I'm doing it. Sometimes washing my Hair 1x per week just isn't enough.
I washed my Hair on 7/5. I just had to. I used too much WN and my Hair was heavy and greasy
I DCd w EVCO that Night w/o Heat and then did a regular wash. Rinsed w ACV, Anytime my Hair feels heavy, I'm washing it. If I feel it's needs a Co Wash, I'm doing it. Sometimes washing my Hair 1x per week just isn't enough.
Jul 3, 2011
WN
So I got my WN back yesterday and being so excited I used way to much. I'm so tempted to wash my hair again today.
Jul 1, 2011
Washing my Hair again so soon 7/1/2011
I've been M&Sing this past week
Yesterday 6/30 I washed my hair, only DCd once though
I'm about to do a Deep Protein (ORS Hair Mayo) because my hair feels heavy and greasy thanks to thank mango butter Elasta. i will only use that for when I baggy. I plan on adding Baggying 1x per week to my Regimen.
So off to do it and then rinse my Hair
Yesterday 6/30 I washed my hair, only DCd once though
I'm about to do a Deep Protein (ORS Hair Mayo) because my hair feels heavy and greasy thanks to thank mango butter Elasta. i will only use that for when I baggy. I plan on adding Baggying 1x per week to my Regimen.
So off to do it and then rinse my Hair
Jun 27, 2011
I found my Moisturizer!!!
Finally found an Organic, healthy moisturizer that actually keep my Hair moisturized! Sold at Target.
Wash Day 6/27
Prepoo with EVCO and Suave Naturals Conditioner w heat for30-35 min
Washed with NTM
DC w ORS Replenishing Pak + EVCO w Heat for 20-25 min
Rinsed
ACV Rinse
Apply Leave Ins/Moisturizer
Let dry
M&S in Sections
Applied JBCO to Scalp in sections
Tie up hair w Scarf
Washed with NTM
DC w ORS Replenishing Pak + EVCO w Heat for 20-25 min
Rinsed
ACV Rinse
Apply Leave Ins/Moisturizer
Let dry
M&S in Sections
Applied JBCO to Scalp in sections
Tie up hair w Scarf
Jun 22, 2011
Wash Day 6/23
Im going to Co wash today only . A DC with EVCO and reg Conditioner w Heat for 30-35 min
Then a good Co wash
Then a good Co wash
Jun 20, 2011
June! I've been slacking on my entries!!
Hey everyone :) Thanks for sticking with me. I moved in June and that's why I haven't been blogging. I admit I have been slacking on my M&S'ng but tonight I will go back to clockwork. I've been washing my Hair weekly and I don't know, I think I'm retaining length still. My hair looks thicker and longer.
May 22, 2011
May 15, 2011
Sunday *Wash Day*
Did a Hard Protein treatment with Hair Mayo 25 min w/o Heat and 15 min with heat
Washed hair w NTM shampoo
Used Mane and tail conditioner 1-2 minutes + Oil mixture as Conditioner
Rinsed
Did ACV Rinse
left it on Hair for 2-3 minutes
Rinsed
Applied leave in (NTM Leave In + Wave Noveau Finishing Mist)
Braided in plaits and let dry
Washed hair w NTM shampoo
Used Mane and tail conditioner 1-2 minutes + Oil mixture as Conditioner
Rinsed
Did ACV Rinse
left it on Hair for 2-3 minutes
Rinsed
Applied leave in (NTM Leave In + Wave Noveau Finishing Mist)
Braided in plaits and let dry
May 11, 2011
Wednesday
DC'd with Mane and Tail conditioner + Tropical Coconut Suave w Heat for 20-25 minutes
Cowashed with Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner
ACV Rinse
Applied Leave Ins
Dried with Scarf method with Heat
M&S'd hair
Applied JBCO to scalp
Tied down with Scarf.
Cowashed with Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner
ACV Rinse
Applied Leave Ins
Dried with Scarf method with Heat
M&S'd hair
Applied JBCO to scalp
Tied down with Scarf.
May 10, 2011
More length check
So basically I'm on the way to SL! Not fully SL yet but soon.
I realized that I have to be looking completely straight ahead with my chin straight. I notice a difference now in my Length pics that I didn't notice before
I realized that I have to be looking completely straight ahead with my chin straight. I notice a difference now in my Length pics that I didn't notice before
May 9, 2011
May 6, 2011
Friday- Relaxer day
I just could not take it anymore and for the first time I only did my roots! I think I did such a good job and I have so much growth. I am very please
I coated my hair w Coconut and Oil Mix
DCd w ORS Replen. Pak + Mane and Tail w Heat for 20 min
I coated my hair w Coconut and Oil Mix
DCd w ORS Replen. Pak + Mane and Tail w Heat for 20 min
May 4, 2011
Wednesday
applied Suave Tropical Coconut over already oiled hair
DCd w Heat for 30-35 min
washed Hair w Roux poros Shampoo
then washed w NTM shampoo
Conditioned w Roux poros conditioner
DC w Mane and Tail w heat for 20-25 min
Applied leave in
Air dry
M&S apply JBCO to scalp
scarf
and I just realized I did a full on wash instead of a cowash..oops
DCd w Heat for 30-35 min
washed Hair w Roux poros Shampoo
then washed w NTM shampoo
Conditioned w Roux poros conditioner
DC w Mane and Tail w heat for 20-25 min
Applied leave in
Air dry
M&S apply JBCO to scalp
scarf
and I just realized I did a full on wash instead of a cowash..oops
May 3, 2011
Tuesday
M&S'd earlier w Moisturizer,Water and Oil
Later on
oiled my Hair with EVCO, and EVOO
Oiled my Scalp w JBCO
and baggied my hair for the rest of the Night. I might have to start Relaxing more like every 8 weeks. I just noticed way too much breakage with this Stretch. Relaxing soon
Later on
oiled my Hair with EVCO, and EVOO
Oiled my Scalp w JBCO
and baggied my hair for the rest of the Night. I might have to start Relaxing more like every 8 weeks. I just noticed way too much breakage with this Stretch. Relaxing soon
How to Self Relax your Hair
1) Apply Vaseline along entire hairline (front & back)
2) Section hair into 4 parts (2 front, 2 back)
3) Secure 3 sections with clips
4) Start either in the front or the back, depending on where you see the most new growth
5) If starting in back, make a part a couple of inches above nape area if this area is thinning or if hair is really fine like mine. You can also start at the top of the section near the center of your head if you have more new growth in that area
6) Take a comb and make a part with about a 1/2" or less of hair
7) With applicator brush (or fingers if wearing gloves), apply relaxer to new growth, avoiding scalp and relaxed hair, as not to overlap
8) Make another part and do the same thing.
9) Complete these steps until the entire section is done, then take down the other section in back and repeat steps #6-8. Remember, don't apply relaxer to nape unless your hair is really coarse here. This area will have had the relaxer on for the longest time so be careful!!
10) Once the two back sections are complete, do the same thing for the front two sections, saving the hairline for last (unless your hair is very coarse here). Leaving the relaxer on in this area for too long can lead to thinning edges and breakage so be careful!!! I like to start at the center of the head for all 4 sections because that's where my coarsest new growth appears
11) Once you have completed the last 2 sections, go back and add relaxer to the nape area, then the rest of the hairline in front
12) It is not necessary to smooth the hair if you don't want to, unless you have areas that are really coarse. You'll want to avoid overlapping as much as possible and smoothing can lead to this
13) The application of the relaxer should be very quick. Do this like you're in a race because you don't want to over or under-process. Just be sure to be cautious even though you're moving fast
14) Since the area you started will be ready to rinse out first due to longer processing time, you might want to secure the other two sections with clips for now
15) I do my rinse-outs either w/the kitchen sink, or standing over the tub only because my shower water pressure is too low, and it's easier to focus on certain sections of my hair. You'll want to have MAXIMUM water pressure to rinse out the relaxer because not rinsing well leads to breakage over time!!!
16) Rinse out the relaxer in the back very well. Make sure it is comepletley out. This is tough, but try not to let the water touch the two sections that are pinned up
17) Once the back is rinsed out, if you need to wait a couple more minutes before rinsing out the front, do so. Both sections need the entire 15 or 20 minute MAX processing time
18) Rinse the last two sections in the order in which the relaxer was applied
19) Once the hair is thoroghly rinsed, saturate hair w/Vital Positive Conditioner, cover w/plastic cap, and wait 5 minutes
20) After 5 minutes, remove the cap, and notice how silky your hair is You may decide to detangle a bit here, but it's optional. Don't worry, if you're using the tub or sink, you won't have issues detangling later. Your hair will be left silky smooth after using this stuff.
21) Rinse all of conditioner out of hair
22) Next Shampoo w/Vitale Neutralizing shampoo, rinse, and repeat to make sure all of the relaxer is out. I generally walk around during the second shampoo just to be double sure it's all gone!
23) Next, use your favorite shampoo and conditioner as you normally would for the final washing.
24) You may also want to use a deep conditioner since you just performed a chemical service. I use LeKair Cholesterol conditioner w/a plastic cap but no heat for 45 minutes, then rinse.
25) After shampooing/conditioning, blot with towel (I never twist a towel around my head) for a few seconds
2) Section hair into 4 parts (2 front, 2 back)
3) Secure 3 sections with clips
4) Start either in the front or the back, depending on where you see the most new growth
5) If starting in back, make a part a couple of inches above nape area if this area is thinning or if hair is really fine like mine. You can also start at the top of the section near the center of your head if you have more new growth in that area
6) Take a comb and make a part with about a 1/2" or less of hair
7) With applicator brush (or fingers if wearing gloves), apply relaxer to new growth, avoiding scalp and relaxed hair, as not to overlap
8) Make another part and do the same thing.
9) Complete these steps until the entire section is done, then take down the other section in back and repeat steps #6-8. Remember, don't apply relaxer to nape unless your hair is really coarse here. This area will have had the relaxer on for the longest time so be careful!!
10) Once the two back sections are complete, do the same thing for the front two sections, saving the hairline for last (unless your hair is very coarse here). Leaving the relaxer on in this area for too long can lead to thinning edges and breakage so be careful!!! I like to start at the center of the head for all 4 sections because that's where my coarsest new growth appears
11) Once you have completed the last 2 sections, go back and add relaxer to the nape area, then the rest of the hairline in front
12) It is not necessary to smooth the hair if you don't want to, unless you have areas that are really coarse. You'll want to avoid overlapping as much as possible and smoothing can lead to this
13) The application of the relaxer should be very quick. Do this like you're in a race because you don't want to over or under-process. Just be sure to be cautious even though you're moving fast
14) Since the area you started will be ready to rinse out first due to longer processing time, you might want to secure the other two sections with clips for now
15) I do my rinse-outs either w/the kitchen sink, or standing over the tub only because my shower water pressure is too low, and it's easier to focus on certain sections of my hair. You'll want to have MAXIMUM water pressure to rinse out the relaxer because not rinsing well leads to breakage over time!!!
16) Rinse out the relaxer in the back very well. Make sure it is comepletley out. This is tough, but try not to let the water touch the two sections that are pinned up
17) Once the back is rinsed out, if you need to wait a couple more minutes before rinsing out the front, do so. Both sections need the entire 15 or 20 minute MAX processing time
18) Rinse the last two sections in the order in which the relaxer was applied
19) Once the hair is thoroghly rinsed, saturate hair w/Vital Positive Conditioner, cover w/plastic cap, and wait 5 minutes
20) After 5 minutes, remove the cap, and notice how silky your hair is You may decide to detangle a bit here, but it's optional. Don't worry, if you're using the tub or sink, you won't have issues detangling later. Your hair will be left silky smooth after using this stuff.
21) Rinse all of conditioner out of hair
22) Next Shampoo w/Vitale Neutralizing shampoo, rinse, and repeat to make sure all of the relaxer is out. I generally walk around during the second shampoo just to be double sure it's all gone!
23) Next, use your favorite shampoo and conditioner as you normally would for the final washing.
24) You may also want to use a deep conditioner since you just performed a chemical service. I use LeKair Cholesterol conditioner w/a plastic cap but no heat for 45 minutes, then rinse.
25) After shampooing/conditioning, blot with towel (I never twist a towel around my head) for a few seconds
May 1, 2011
Friday
M&S morning and Night
Saturday, applied JBCO to scalp and EVCO to hair
Baggyed hair overnight
Saturday, applied JBCO to scalp and EVCO to hair
Baggyed hair overnight
Apr 29, 2011
Thursday
baggyed overnight(bad idea,woke up with wet,mushy hair)
M&S'd twice day + night on Thursday
Friday
M&Sd day and Night
Saturday applied JBCO to scalp in sections and EVCO to hair
Baggyed overnight.
M&S'd twice day + night on Thursday
Friday
M&Sd day and Night
Saturday applied JBCO to scalp in sections and EVCO to hair
Baggyed overnight.
Apr 27, 2011
Wednesday
Let EVCO sit on my hair for 1 1/2, washed out.
ACV rinse
leave ins
Scarf dry
M&S + apply JBCO to Scalp
ACV rinse
leave ins
Scarf dry
M&S + apply JBCO to Scalp
Apr 26, 2011
Sunday
Prepooed w EVCO
Washed hair w Roux Porosity Control
DCd w Porosity control conditioner
Applied leave ins
Scarf dried
M&S'd
applied JBCO to scalp
Baggyed overnight
Monday
M&S'd Morn/Night
Washed hair w Roux Porosity Control
DCd w Porosity control conditioner
Applied leave ins
Scarf dried
M&S'd
applied JBCO to scalp
Baggyed overnight
Monday
M&S'd Morn/Night
Apr 23, 2011
Saturday
M&S'd my Hair this Morning w my New Olive Oil Moisturizer
Moisturized my Hair with WN Finishing Mist and sealed w Oil Mix
Baggyed my hair and put Scarf on.
Moisturized my Hair with WN Finishing Mist and sealed w Oil Mix
Baggyed my hair and put Scarf on.
Apr 22, 2011
Fighting Breakage- Part 2
4. Relaxer overprocessing and overlap are chronic problems. Relaxing too frequently, leaving chemicals on too long and relaxing from root to tip every time are big no-no's. These practices are extremely hard on the hair. I would advise 8 weeks as a minimum for touchups because it is almost impossible to avoid chemical overlap when there is a very small amount of new growth. 10-12 weeks is optimum. When relaxing, only new growth should be processed. Root-to-tip is not "freshening" your relaxer. What that practice is doing is ensuring that you will be broke-bald at some point down the line. Whether self-relaxing or at the salon follow the recommended time to the letter. You should NOT have scabs or a burnt scalp after a relaxer!
5. Overmanipulation through the use of improper styling accessories (rubber bands, metal clips, etc), doing the same thing every day, braiding too frequently or too tightly, rough clothing and collars, clip-ins, and glue can all lead to pattern breakage. I try to switch up styling methods every day and use the most caring accessories I can find - or I make them myself. Rule of thumb: if something feels uncomfortable, is pulling or too tight it is probably doing damage. Tressbuzz leaves her hair untouched for hours and hours every single day. It is damp bunned, under a dorag, or otherwise "out of commission."
6. Breakage can begin on the inside. What goes in is what comes out. I know ladies who don't drink water and head to the couch for their happy meal every night and are reaping what they sow hair-wise. Diet and exercise are as important as any other factor when assessing hair health and breakage. Get your body hydrated and oxygenated and get that blood flowing! If you are nutritionally deficient you should look into supplementation.
7. Mineral Oil, Petroleum/Petrolatum, heavy silicones and many "styling" products can actually BLOCK moisturization and lead to breakage. Those items must be clarified away to allow the shaft access to nutrients and moisture, so check those labels and make adjustments as necessary.
Remember, hair that has been tortured in the past is subject to break as it reaches the ends. Your goal is to get increasing amounts of fresh length that has been babied and given the ultimate TLC! While some accidental breakage is unavoidable much of it can be avoided with proactive care.
5. Overmanipulation through the use of improper styling accessories (rubber bands, metal clips, etc), doing the same thing every day, braiding too frequently or too tightly, rough clothing and collars, clip-ins, and glue can all lead to pattern breakage. I try to switch up styling methods every day and use the most caring accessories I can find - or I make them myself. Rule of thumb: if something feels uncomfortable, is pulling or too tight it is probably doing damage. Tressbuzz leaves her hair untouched for hours and hours every single day. It is damp bunned, under a dorag, or otherwise "out of commission."
6. Breakage can begin on the inside. What goes in is what comes out. I know ladies who don't drink water and head to the couch for their happy meal every night and are reaping what they sow hair-wise. Diet and exercise are as important as any other factor when assessing hair health and breakage. Get your body hydrated and oxygenated and get that blood flowing! If you are nutritionally deficient you should look into supplementation.
7. Mineral Oil, Petroleum/Petrolatum, heavy silicones and many "styling" products can actually BLOCK moisturization and lead to breakage. Those items must be clarified away to allow the shaft access to nutrients and moisture, so check those labels and make adjustments as necessary.
Remember, hair that has been tortured in the past is subject to break as it reaches the ends. Your goal is to get increasing amounts of fresh length that has been babied and given the ultimate TLC! While some accidental breakage is unavoidable much of it can be avoided with proactive care.
Fighting Breakage- Part 1
f you are practicing strict TLC and STILL see alot of breakage don't panic. Breakage is not a normal state for hair. SOMETHING is causing it and it is your job to honestly analyze your regimen and lifestyle to determine what the problem is. Oftentimes the most obvious suspect is the thing you do most frequently. If that's not the cause then you can employ a process of elimination:
1. Look at how often you are using extreme-heat implements such as flatirons, curling irons, blowdryers, edge sticks, etc. Alot of relaxed ladies do not want to admit to themselves that extreme heat on top of chemically-taxed hair is more than the poor stuff can handle. Even ONE bad session with a superheated flatiron can boil your cortex away and cause weak points along the strand. Next thing you know breakage breakage breakage. Unfortunately, hair that has been taxed beyond its limit with heat tools CANNOT be "repaired." That is why you see increasing numbers of ladies with thin, see-through strands. The shaft can be temporarily filled but what is lost is lost and those weak points will most likely break. To combat this have a strict 6 month no heat period - give the hair a break and begin doubling up on moisture DC's. Incorporate coconut oil into your regimen as it is scientifically proven to help stop further protein loss.
2. Many ladies have protein overload and do not know it. Manufacturers are loading proteins into products and ladies are slathering these on DAILY. Hair does not need daily protein. Protein treatments should be isolated and tracked to avoid overload. If you are protein sensitive like Tressbuzz, you can track the breakage almost to the minute you hit overload. Characteristics of protein overload are dry, hard, brittle strands that will not "moisturize." Check each and every product for proteins so that you can dial it back to one item then add more as needed. VIEW MY BLOG ON HIDDEN PROTEINS.
3. Hair needs moisture. Water is moisture. Grease or oil is not moisture. Deprive hair from getting moisture for too long and you will have dryness and breakage. Moisturizer should be water based or have water in it and no protein. Oil is used to seal. Simple water, rosewater or distilled water sealed with oil make great moisturizers. A co-wash or two during the week goes a long way toward added moisturization.
1. Look at how often you are using extreme-heat implements such as flatirons, curling irons, blowdryers, edge sticks, etc. Alot of relaxed ladies do not want to admit to themselves that extreme heat on top of chemically-taxed hair is more than the poor stuff can handle. Even ONE bad session with a superheated flatiron can boil your cortex away and cause weak points along the strand. Next thing you know breakage breakage breakage. Unfortunately, hair that has been taxed beyond its limit with heat tools CANNOT be "repaired." That is why you see increasing numbers of ladies with thin, see-through strands. The shaft can be temporarily filled but what is lost is lost and those weak points will most likely break. To combat this have a strict 6 month no heat period - give the hair a break and begin doubling up on moisture DC's. Incorporate coconut oil into your regimen as it is scientifically proven to help stop further protein loss.
2. Many ladies have protein overload and do not know it. Manufacturers are loading proteins into products and ladies are slathering these on DAILY. Hair does not need daily protein. Protein treatments should be isolated and tracked to avoid overload. If you are protein sensitive like Tressbuzz, you can track the breakage almost to the minute you hit overload. Characteristics of protein overload are dry, hard, brittle strands that will not "moisturize." Check each and every product for proteins so that you can dial it back to one item then add more as needed. VIEW MY BLOG ON HIDDEN PROTEINS.
3. Hair needs moisture. Water is moisture. Grease or oil is not moisture. Deprive hair from getting moisture for too long and you will have dryness and breakage. Moisturizer should be water based or have water in it and no protein. Oil is used to seal. Simple water, rosewater or distilled water sealed with oil make great moisturizers. A co-wash or two during the week goes a long way toward added moisturization.
Friday
Moisturized with Motions Nourish Leave in
sealed with EVOO this Morning
dyed hair with Henna
sat w Heat under dryer for 30 min
Rinsed
washed w Moisturizing shampoo
DC w Mane and Tail under dryer w Heat for 20 minutes
ACV rinse
Applied leave ins (Motions Nourish)
Scarf Dry w Heat
Moisturize with Water &Seal w EVOO
Apply JBCO to Scalp in sections.
sealed with EVOO this Morning
dyed hair with Henna
sat w Heat under dryer for 30 min
Rinsed
washed w Moisturizing shampoo
DC w Mane and Tail under dryer w Heat for 20 minutes
ACV rinse
Applied leave ins (Motions Nourish)
Scarf Dry w Heat
Moisturize with Water &Seal w EVOO
Apply JBCO to Scalp in sections.
Apr 21, 2011
Thursday
Moisturized hair with Motions Nourish Leave In and Sprayed with Water this Afternoon. Did not seal
Tied down with Scarf
and it's 4pm and already dry almost! LOL I should've sealed.
Tied down with Scarf
and it's 4pm and already dry almost! LOL I should've sealed.
Apr 20, 2011
Wednesday
My Porosity issues are being worked out. That ACV rinse helped so much I cannot stop raving about it. My hair can hold moisture now and it feels so soft! I notice such a difference. I did the Strand test and it stretched and then broke so that means MORE PROTEIN, so I am moisturizing with Motions Nourish Leave in and sealing with my Oil mixture.
April 19th,2011
My hair was pretty nice and moisturized yesterday. I took out my Ponytail and it was very very lightly damp. I sprayed it at night with Water (didn't seal) and tied my hair down with scarf.
Apr 18, 2011
Changes already!
Ive already noticed that my Hair has absorbed the moisture from last night! My hair is nearly dry today and that's great! I used to moisturize and it would stay wet for days. The ACV did the trick I believe.
Sunday Wash Day!
Pre Pooed w Mane and Tail for 20 min w heat
Shampooed with NTM
Hot Oil treatment with EVOO
ACV rinse
Applied Leave ins
Scarf dry
Moisturized w WN
Sealed w EVOO
Shampooed with NTM
Hot Oil treatment with EVOO
ACV rinse
Applied Leave ins
Scarf dry
Moisturized w WN
Sealed w EVOO
Apr 16, 2011
Porosity Test
Porosity refers to the hair's ability, or inability, to absorb water or chemicals deep into the cuticle layers and cortex. All hair is naturally porous and somewhat permeable to water.
Low or "poor porosity" refers to hair that does not readily absorb moisture and resists chemical treatments. Poor porosity is not exactly a problem that should cause you great concern. It is, however, ideal to have hair that falls somewhere in the middle of the two porosity extremes: hair with good porosity that retains moisture well and accepts chemical treatments.
The Sponge
Our hair has the ability to absorb up to 50% of its weight in water! This absorption and lengthening is why wet hair feels heavier than dried hair. Think of a sponge. When the sponge is fresh and new, it is able to absorb a good amount of water and hold the moisture inside very well. As the sponge ages, the pores become distorted, the fabric of the sponge is weaker, and it begins to lose its shape. Because the old sponge cannot hold the amount of water it once could, it is said to be more porous or have higher porosity than the new sponge.
The following questions will help you determine whether or not your hair is overly porous:
Does your hair continuously soak in moisture without ever actually feeling moisturized?
Is your hair chronically dry despite your best conditioning efforts?
Does your hair appear/feel puffy, frizzy, swollen, or tough to the touch?
Does your hair have a natural, reddish toned cast to it that is usually more pronounced in spring and summer time?
Does your hair hold styles and curl well?
If you've answered yes to any of the above hair characteristics, and these characteristics appear more pronounced toward the ends of your hair, you may have a problem with your hair's porosity level.
Causes of Porosity Problems
There are two main conditions that aggravate the physical integrity of the cuticle layer, and thus, the hair's porosity level.
The first is soundness of each cuticle scale along the hair strand.The soundness of the cuticle scales refers to the smoothness of each individual hair scale surface. Weak or damaged scales are often worn, cracked, and may even have holes in them. The more damaged an individual scale is, the more porous that scale will be.
The second is the general spatial arrangement of the cuticle scales relative to one another. Lifted scales are porous simply because they are not lying flat against the others. They will let moisture out easily. The unavoidable constant lifting and closing of the cuticle layers over time through regular washing, conditioning, and chemical processing increases the overall porosity of the hair. The ends of the hair are typically the most porous because the cuticle layers in this region have simply been opening and closing the longest. If the individual scales are porous, and the scales are lifted up and away from one another, the porosity situation is compounded.
So what exactly damages the cuticles in those ways?
Specifically, hair porosity is affected by excessive exposure to:
mechanical and heat abuse from combs, brushes, and heat styling tools,
and the continued use of sodium lauryl or ammonium lauryl sulfate-rich shampoos.
Porosity Problems for the Relaxed and Color Treated
Relaxing or colored treating the hair with chemicals forces the cuticle layers up and open. Unfortunately, when this happens, these chemical treatments increase the porosity of the hair by both means: by degrading the cuticle layers and causing them to lift dramatically. In time, the cuticle layers do eventually close on their own, but if the damage is repeated too often by either back to back coloring jobs, heat overuse, or relaxing too frequently those cuticle layers may never close fully again. For this reason, relaxed and color treated individuals should be extra diligent about managing their hair's porosity.
Porosity Tests
It is best to measure your level of porosity on freshly cleaned and dried hair.
Test 1: Wet your hair. Before you start to shampoo your hair, notice how long it takes for your hair to actually feel soaked and fully saturated with water. Hair that "wets" easily is typically porous. If your hair takes quite some time to actually get fully wet, your hair is less porous. (Or your hair could be coated with heavy oils and other products!) As your hair dries (air dry), note how quickly the drying takes place. Porous hair dries very quickly, and in some cases, the ends of the hair may be dry before your body is fully dried! Hair that takes longer to dry is typically less porous.
On fully dried hair, note whether your hair feels rough and tangles easily. Hair that "catches" on itself, does not move well, and tangles easily is usually porous, or is in need of a trim.
Test 2: Gently hold strands of your dry hair between your index finger and thumb, and then slowly slide your fingers along the length of the strand. You should be moving from the scalp to the ends. If you feel an overall uneven texture as you move along down the shaft, your hair is slightly porous.
Test 3: Take a few strands of "harvested" hair (shed hair from your comb, hair brush, etc.) and place them in a bowl of water. If the hair sinks in less than a minute or two, it is porous. The sooner your hair sinks, the more porous it is. If only one part of the strand sinks, you have a spotty porosity problem. This is not uncommon.
Once you have performed one or more of the porosity tests and believe that your hair is indeed porous, read Part 2 of this Porosity Series to learn ways that you can treat your own porosity issues.
Low or "poor porosity" refers to hair that does not readily absorb moisture and resists chemical treatments. Poor porosity is not exactly a problem that should cause you great concern. It is, however, ideal to have hair that falls somewhere in the middle of the two porosity extremes: hair with good porosity that retains moisture well and accepts chemical treatments.
The Sponge
Our hair has the ability to absorb up to 50% of its weight in water! This absorption and lengthening is why wet hair feels heavier than dried hair. Think of a sponge. When the sponge is fresh and new, it is able to absorb a good amount of water and hold the moisture inside very well. As the sponge ages, the pores become distorted, the fabric of the sponge is weaker, and it begins to lose its shape. Because the old sponge cannot hold the amount of water it once could, it is said to be more porous or have higher porosity than the new sponge.
The following questions will help you determine whether or not your hair is overly porous:
Does your hair continuously soak in moisture without ever actually feeling moisturized?
Is your hair chronically dry despite your best conditioning efforts?
Does your hair appear/feel puffy, frizzy, swollen, or tough to the touch?
Does your hair have a natural, reddish toned cast to it that is usually more pronounced in spring and summer time?
Does your hair hold styles and curl well?
If you've answered yes to any of the above hair characteristics, and these characteristics appear more pronounced toward the ends of your hair, you may have a problem with your hair's porosity level.
Causes of Porosity Problems
There are two main conditions that aggravate the physical integrity of the cuticle layer, and thus, the hair's porosity level.
The first is soundness of each cuticle scale along the hair strand.The soundness of the cuticle scales refers to the smoothness of each individual hair scale surface. Weak or damaged scales are often worn, cracked, and may even have holes in them. The more damaged an individual scale is, the more porous that scale will be.
The second is the general spatial arrangement of the cuticle scales relative to one another. Lifted scales are porous simply because they are not lying flat against the others. They will let moisture out easily. The unavoidable constant lifting and closing of the cuticle layers over time through regular washing, conditioning, and chemical processing increases the overall porosity of the hair. The ends of the hair are typically the most porous because the cuticle layers in this region have simply been opening and closing the longest. If the individual scales are porous, and the scales are lifted up and away from one another, the porosity situation is compounded.
So what exactly damages the cuticles in those ways?
Specifically, hair porosity is affected by excessive exposure to:
mechanical and heat abuse from combs, brushes, and heat styling tools,
and the continued use of sodium lauryl or ammonium lauryl sulfate-rich shampoos.
Porosity Problems for the Relaxed and Color Treated
Relaxing or colored treating the hair with chemicals forces the cuticle layers up and open. Unfortunately, when this happens, these chemical treatments increase the porosity of the hair by both means: by degrading the cuticle layers and causing them to lift dramatically. In time, the cuticle layers do eventually close on their own, but if the damage is repeated too often by either back to back coloring jobs, heat overuse, or relaxing too frequently those cuticle layers may never close fully again. For this reason, relaxed and color treated individuals should be extra diligent about managing their hair's porosity.
Porosity Tests
It is best to measure your level of porosity on freshly cleaned and dried hair.
Test 1: Wet your hair. Before you start to shampoo your hair, notice how long it takes for your hair to actually feel soaked and fully saturated with water. Hair that "wets" easily is typically porous. If your hair takes quite some time to actually get fully wet, your hair is less porous. (Or your hair could be coated with heavy oils and other products!) As your hair dries (air dry), note how quickly the drying takes place. Porous hair dries very quickly, and in some cases, the ends of the hair may be dry before your body is fully dried! Hair that takes longer to dry is typically less porous.
On fully dried hair, note whether your hair feels rough and tangles easily. Hair that "catches" on itself, does not move well, and tangles easily is usually porous, or is in need of a trim.
Test 2: Gently hold strands of your dry hair between your index finger and thumb, and then slowly slide your fingers along the length of the strand. You should be moving from the scalp to the ends. If you feel an overall uneven texture as you move along down the shaft, your hair is slightly porous.
Test 3: Take a few strands of "harvested" hair (shed hair from your comb, hair brush, etc.) and place them in a bowl of water. If the hair sinks in less than a minute or two, it is porous. The sooner your hair sinks, the more porous it is. If only one part of the strand sinks, you have a spotty porosity problem. This is not uncommon.
Once you have performed one or more of the porosity tests and believe that your hair is indeed porous, read Part 2 of this Porosity Series to learn ways that you can treat your own porosity issues.
Porosity Training- Part 2
Solutions for Correcting Your Porous Hair!
The issues of individual scale damage and raised cuticles are the primary issues associated with porous hair. If you can somehow patch the scale damage and close these cuticles layers, even a little, you will resolve a majority of your hair porosity issues.
Solution 1.) Protein Treatments for Porous Hair
The best , and perhaps easiest, way to patch up damaged cuticle layers is simply through light protein conditioning. Protein fills in gaps, binds to damaged places, and mends individual exterior scales along the cuticle. Regular protein conditioning improves the hair's porosity by reinforcing the cuticle layers and allowing the hair shaft to better hold on to the moisture it is given. You don't want to get too excited with the protein though because this can make the hair even drier. Products with wheat protein, like Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner, are good for shoring up the cuticle without leaving the hair too crunchy. Other more protein intensive treatments for correcting porous hair are Aphogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor, CHI Keratin Mist, Motions CPR, and Organic Root Stimulator Mayo Treatment, and Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner. Remember, nothing can PERMANENTLY repair hair that is damaged, but treatments can go a long way for shoring up the weak spots and temporarily managing problems.
Solution 2.)Clear or Colored Rinses for Repairing Scale Damage and Porosity
Temporary clear or colored rinses also contain proteins that bind to and patch up the hair shaft. These rinses also give you the benefit of enhancing your current hair color, or adopting a temporary change. Clear rinses are best if you'd rather keep your current color and just add an enhanced element of shine. Sebastian's Colourshines and Jazzings all make great hair rinses that will help reduce your hair's porosity.
Solution 3.)Acidic Conditioners for Combating Overly Porous Hair
Some porosity problems can be temporarily resolved by applying a low pH solution or product, usually a conditioner. Most good deep conditioners are acidic products that will help restore and temporarily repair the cuticle layers. After treating the hair with a protein source listed in solution #1, your hair should be ready to receive and maintain the moisture you give it from your regular, weekly moisturizing deep conditioner.
When searching for a good acidic shampoo and conditioner brand for your porous hair, check the aisles for formulas for color treated hair. Typically, color treated products the most acidic. These products are extra gentle and help maintain the tightness of the cuticle layers in order to preserve hair colors and keep your vibrant shades from "leaching." Even if your hair is not color-treated, and you suspect that your hair may be porous, keep an eye out for products formulated for damaged or color treated hair.
Solution 4.)Acidic Rinses for Restoring Proper Cuticle Orientation
A weekly acidic rinse with Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a common home remedy for treating porous hair. Simply combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of cool water. Poor this mixture over the hair as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning are complete. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. This acidic rinse will temporarily reduce porosity by constricting the cuticle scales. The ACV rinse will also enhance your hair's shine, eliminate tangles, and increase manageability.
ACV rinses should never make your hair feel hard. If the ACV rinse makes your hair feel hard or tangly after rinsing, your mixture needs to be diluted with more water.
The issues of individual scale damage and raised cuticles are the primary issues associated with porous hair. If you can somehow patch the scale damage and close these cuticles layers, even a little, you will resolve a majority of your hair porosity issues.
Solution 1.) Protein Treatments for Porous Hair
The best , and perhaps easiest, way to patch up damaged cuticle layers is simply through light protein conditioning. Protein fills in gaps, binds to damaged places, and mends individual exterior scales along the cuticle. Regular protein conditioning improves the hair's porosity by reinforcing the cuticle layers and allowing the hair shaft to better hold on to the moisture it is given. You don't want to get too excited with the protein though because this can make the hair even drier. Products with wheat protein, like Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner, are good for shoring up the cuticle without leaving the hair too crunchy. Other more protein intensive treatments for correcting porous hair are Aphogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor, CHI Keratin Mist, Motions CPR, and Organic Root Stimulator Mayo Treatment, and Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner. Remember, nothing can PERMANENTLY repair hair that is damaged, but treatments can go a long way for shoring up the weak spots and temporarily managing problems.
Solution 2.)Clear or Colored Rinses for Repairing Scale Damage and Porosity
Temporary clear or colored rinses also contain proteins that bind to and patch up the hair shaft. These rinses also give you the benefit of enhancing your current hair color, or adopting a temporary change. Clear rinses are best if you'd rather keep your current color and just add an enhanced element of shine. Sebastian's Colourshines and Jazzings all make great hair rinses that will help reduce your hair's porosity.
Solution 3.)Acidic Conditioners for Combating Overly Porous Hair
Some porosity problems can be temporarily resolved by applying a low pH solution or product, usually a conditioner. Most good deep conditioners are acidic products that will help restore and temporarily repair the cuticle layers. After treating the hair with a protein source listed in solution #1, your hair should be ready to receive and maintain the moisture you give it from your regular, weekly moisturizing deep conditioner.
When searching for a good acidic shampoo and conditioner brand for your porous hair, check the aisles for formulas for color treated hair. Typically, color treated products the most acidic. These products are extra gentle and help maintain the tightness of the cuticle layers in order to preserve hair colors and keep your vibrant shades from "leaching." Even if your hair is not color-treated, and you suspect that your hair may be porous, keep an eye out for products formulated for damaged or color treated hair.
Solution 4.)Acidic Rinses for Restoring Proper Cuticle Orientation
A weekly acidic rinse with Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a common home remedy for treating porous hair. Simply combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of cool water. Poor this mixture over the hair as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning are complete. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. This acidic rinse will temporarily reduce porosity by constricting the cuticle scales. The ACV rinse will also enhance your hair's shine, eliminate tangles, and increase manageability.
ACV rinses should never make your hair feel hard. If the ACV rinse makes your hair feel hard or tangly after rinsing, your mixture needs to be diluted with more water.
Porosity Training- Part 1
Yes! It's Porous now Help Me Fix It!
Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability, or inability, to absorb water or chemicals deep into the cortex. Unfortunately, damage to the hair shaft can affect the hair's level of porosity. Too much porosity reduces the hair's ability to retain moisture, move well, and fight breakage. This article will help you understand why you should be concerned about your hair's porosity levels. It will also describe 4 simple ways that you can correct your hair's porosity issues.
Why Should You Correct Your Hair's Porosity?
In Part 1 of the Porosity Series, I explained that the more damage the cuticle has endured, the greater the hair's porosity will be. Moisture absorption and moisture loss are the primary concerns for porous hair.
Moisture Absorption and Loss
Though porous hair often feels dry and parched, it can absorb LOTS and LOTS of water. Normal hair can absorb roughly 30% of its weight in water when washed, while extremely porous hair can absorb up to 40-50% of its weight in water! Generally, the more porous your hair is, the more water or moisture it tends to absorb. Seems great, right? Not quite. There are two downsides to this high level of water absorption in hair with high porosity:
1.) High levels of moisture loss are also experienced over time. Highly porous hair absorbs more water when wet, but also loses even more as it dries. The moisture loss is a result of a shoddy cuticle layer barrier. Water flows in, and flows right on out just as easily. The cuticles are so lifted or damaged that they cannot adequately hold the moisture inside. This is why when porous hair is fully dried, it often feels swollen, puffy, and rough to the touch.
2.) .Hair lengthens as it absorbs water. The more water the hair absorbs, the more the hair will have to stretch to accommodate the water. Once the hair is stretched beyond its comfortable limit of roughly 30%, it grows weaker and weaker. If this process occurs too frequently, damage to the cuticle layer ensues, cortical damage follows, and then the hair eventually breaks under the stress. This is why it is also NOT advisable to keep the hair in a perpetual state of dampness. Moisture is beneficial to the hair, but too much moisture will damage and place stress on it.
Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability, or inability, to absorb water or chemicals deep into the cortex. Unfortunately, damage to the hair shaft can affect the hair's level of porosity. Too much porosity reduces the hair's ability to retain moisture, move well, and fight breakage. This article will help you understand why you should be concerned about your hair's porosity levels. It will also describe 4 simple ways that you can correct your hair's porosity issues.
Why Should You Correct Your Hair's Porosity?
In Part 1 of the Porosity Series, I explained that the more damage the cuticle has endured, the greater the hair's porosity will be. Moisture absorption and moisture loss are the primary concerns for porous hair.
Moisture Absorption and Loss
Though porous hair often feels dry and parched, it can absorb LOTS and LOTS of water. Normal hair can absorb roughly 30% of its weight in water when washed, while extremely porous hair can absorb up to 40-50% of its weight in water! Generally, the more porous your hair is, the more water or moisture it tends to absorb. Seems great, right? Not quite. There are two downsides to this high level of water absorption in hair with high porosity:
1.) High levels of moisture loss are also experienced over time. Highly porous hair absorbs more water when wet, but also loses even more as it dries. The moisture loss is a result of a shoddy cuticle layer barrier. Water flows in, and flows right on out just as easily. The cuticles are so lifted or damaged that they cannot adequately hold the moisture inside. This is why when porous hair is fully dried, it often feels swollen, puffy, and rough to the touch.
2.) .Hair lengthens as it absorbs water. The more water the hair absorbs, the more the hair will have to stretch to accommodate the water. Once the hair is stretched beyond its comfortable limit of roughly 30%, it grows weaker and weaker. If this process occurs too frequently, damage to the cuticle layer ensues, cortical damage follows, and then the hair eventually breaks under the stress. This is why it is also NOT advisable to keep the hair in a perpetual state of dampness. Moisture is beneficial to the hair, but too much moisture will damage and place stress on it.
Porosity! Thats it!
I was wondering why I've been on my HJ for 2 mths and my hair is still breaking. Moisturized everyday and still seems like my hair couldn't hold moisture. It's my Porosity! I have High Porosity and I'm going to fix it
Apr 14, 2011
Wednesday and Thursday 4/14/11
4/12/2011
sprayed some Motions nourish leave in
baggyed for about 2 hours
and then tied up hair w scarf
4/13/2011
Moisturized in Morning w ORS Moist Lotion (thank God its done! Never buying that crap again)
Did not seal
Moisturized w WN
Sealed w Oil mix
sprayed some Motions nourish leave in
baggyed for about 2 hours
and then tied up hair w scarf
4/13/2011
Moisturized in Morning w ORS Moist Lotion (thank God its done! Never buying that crap again)
Did not seal
Moisturized w WN
Sealed w Oil mix
Apr 12, 2011
Hard Protein Treatment(evry 6 weeks) + Wash day
Applied ORS Hair Mayo+ EVOO to Dry hair.
Sat under hot dryer for 20 min
Washed hair w Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo
DC with HE Long Term Conditioner/Small amount of Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner w Heat for 20-25 min
Apply Leave ins
Scarf Dry
Moisturize w NTM
Seal w Oil Mix
Apply small amount of JBCO to my Scalp
Sat under hot dryer for 20 min
Washed hair w Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo
DC with HE Long Term Conditioner/Small amount of Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner w Heat for 20-25 min
Apply Leave ins
Scarf Dry
Moisturize w NTM
Seal w Oil Mix
Apply small amount of JBCO to my Scalp
Retaining Hair Length
So I would just like to put in my two cents based on my experience, research, and knowledge on black hair, as to why our hair is really breaking and what you can do to stop it.
1. Over processed hair strands
you are either keeping your relaxers in too long, or using too strong of a relaxer, or are not properly neutralizing your relaxed hair when you shampoo out.
Solution
skip the "Super" perm (under processed is better than over processed)
You shouldn't be relaxing in increments less than 8 weeks. (10 wks in my opinion)
If possible i highly recommend learning to self-relax (it's way cheaper and you can control the timing), or speak up at the salon.
When you're washing out your relaxer, the proper protocol is to lather and rinse 3 times; make sure the last time you leave the lather in for 5 minutes to neutralize the relaxer in the inner cortex of the hair strands. Then DEEP condition to restore what the relaxer took away.
Stretch your relaxers to avoid overlapping and scalp irritation. another trick i learned is to coat your tresses and with grease or a heavy pomade before heading to the salon. it may annoy you stylist but your hair will thank you
2. Your hair is dry
most common: in most cases you can tell your hair is dry just by looking at it, but for more concrete evidence do a wet strand test (Take a wet strand of your hair that came out in the shower and pull it gently, if it breaks without stretching, your hair is dry. Properly moisturized hair will stretch slightly before recoiling) . So many black women avoid moisture like the plague to avoid messing up their "do's" but they pay the price in dry brittle hair
Solution
Moisturize your hair DAILY with a small amount of water based moisturizer (water in one of the first 3 ingredients listed) and seal with a small amount of oil, paying close attention to your ends. Naturals can just use water as a moisturizer.
Deep condition once a week. when you're moisture levels go up you can get lazy and do it every other week.
Put down the flat iron- heat stlying is the fastest way to lose moisture in your hair
Avoid shampoos with sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and detergents. i recommend cowashing at least once a week in the beginning.
Water is your friend. drink 6-8 glasses a day (or at least try)
3. Over manipulation
You're combing your hair too frequently
You're using damaging styling tools (fine tooth combs, hard brushes, elastic hair bands)
You're constantly using direct heat (blow dryers, flat irons, hot combs, curling irons)
You're putting too much product
Solution
Only use a wide tooth seamless comb to detangle
never brush wet hair
Always wear a silk scarf or bonnet to bed to avoid unnecessary detangling
naturals make sure you seperate your hair into at least 4 sections when you detangle
go easy on the product. less is more. you shouldn't see it sitting all greasy on the strands
Baby your ends.
Avoid fine tooth combs
Lack of protein
Whether its lack of protein in your diet or hair regimen you can tell your hair is lacking protein by doing a wet stand test (take a wet strand of hair and pull gently if it stretches and stretches without bouncing back you need protein.
Solution
try and eat 50g of protein a day
start with a light protein treatment (Nexxus keraphix, an egg, aphogee 2 min) since everyone's hair doesn't respond well to harsh amounts of protein. If that isn't enough you can try something harder (Nexxus emergencee, Aphogee 2 step)
Other Tips
The term "dead hair" is misleading. Technically all hair is dead, but when we hear the words "Dead ends" it makes us want to grab for the scissors. Not so fast, most damage done to hair can be repaired with some deep conditioning and TLC. And unlearn the myth that trimming hair makes it grow faster. if that were true many of us would have hair down to the floor by now. Trimming is to make sure that split hair don't unravel up the shaft and cause more damage. Learn how to properly dust your hair and you can avoid trimming completely. and split ends can be temporarily remedied by a hot oil treatment long enough for some new growth to roll in.
Don't follow every hair trend. I've been a "Long hair connoisseur" for some time, and i've seen every hair fad come and go from fabric softener to horse lotion. Before you jump on a hair bandwagon, get your regimen straight FIRST. because nothing else matters if you can't retain your length.
Keep it simple sistah: your regimen doesn't have to be super complex. stick to the 3c's (http://www.longhairdontcare.net/long_hair_dont_care-deleted-2009062...) you will be fine. Simpler is better, trust me! especially in the beginning. you don't want to overwhelm yourself and then give up before you even try.
Get educated- As much as i love this site, it's pretty much the blind leading the blind around here. i mean, it's hard to separate real information from people who just heard "they auntie and em" say something about making your hair care. visit www.longhaircareforum.com if you really want to learn about hair care. The have a $7 membership fee to post in the forum (which explains why everyone on these is really passionate about hair care, and not just passing through.) but it costs NOTHING to just lurk around the message boards and soak up the info.
Don't be a product junkie. over time you will learn what your hair likes, but in the meantime be informed when buying your hair products. know what you need before you walk into the store so the shiny labels don't beguile you. and KNOW what ingredients you should be avoiding (mineral oil, petroleum, silicone, sulfate, etc)
Spread the knowledge! In most cases it takes just weeks to get healthy hair, and months (maybe a year or two) to get the length you desire. Every girl deserves to have long beautiful hair. so tell your friends what you know, and let's shatter the myth that black girls can't have long hair.
1. Over processed hair strands
you are either keeping your relaxers in too long, or using too strong of a relaxer, or are not properly neutralizing your relaxed hair when you shampoo out.
Solution
skip the "Super" perm (under processed is better than over processed)
You shouldn't be relaxing in increments less than 8 weeks. (10 wks in my opinion)
If possible i highly recommend learning to self-relax (it's way cheaper and you can control the timing), or speak up at the salon.
When you're washing out your relaxer, the proper protocol is to lather and rinse 3 times; make sure the last time you leave the lather in for 5 minutes to neutralize the relaxer in the inner cortex of the hair strands. Then DEEP condition to restore what the relaxer took away.
Stretch your relaxers to avoid overlapping and scalp irritation. another trick i learned is to coat your tresses and with grease or a heavy pomade before heading to the salon. it may annoy you stylist but your hair will thank you
2. Your hair is dry
most common: in most cases you can tell your hair is dry just by looking at it, but for more concrete evidence do a wet strand test (Take a wet strand of your hair that came out in the shower and pull it gently, if it breaks without stretching, your hair is dry. Properly moisturized hair will stretch slightly before recoiling) . So many black women avoid moisture like the plague to avoid messing up their "do's" but they pay the price in dry brittle hair
Solution
Moisturize your hair DAILY with a small amount of water based moisturizer (water in one of the first 3 ingredients listed) and seal with a small amount of oil, paying close attention to your ends. Naturals can just use water as a moisturizer.
Deep condition once a week. when you're moisture levels go up you can get lazy and do it every other week.
Put down the flat iron- heat stlying is the fastest way to lose moisture in your hair
Avoid shampoos with sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and detergents. i recommend cowashing at least once a week in the beginning.
Water is your friend. drink 6-8 glasses a day (or at least try)
3. Over manipulation
You're combing your hair too frequently
You're using damaging styling tools (fine tooth combs, hard brushes, elastic hair bands)
You're constantly using direct heat (blow dryers, flat irons, hot combs, curling irons)
You're putting too much product
Solution
Only use a wide tooth seamless comb to detangle
never brush wet hair
Always wear a silk scarf or bonnet to bed to avoid unnecessary detangling
naturals make sure you seperate your hair into at least 4 sections when you detangle
go easy on the product. less is more. you shouldn't see it sitting all greasy on the strands
Baby your ends.
Avoid fine tooth combs
Lack of protein
Whether its lack of protein in your diet or hair regimen you can tell your hair is lacking protein by doing a wet stand test (take a wet strand of hair and pull gently if it stretches and stretches without bouncing back you need protein.
Solution
try and eat 50g of protein a day
start with a light protein treatment (Nexxus keraphix, an egg, aphogee 2 min) since everyone's hair doesn't respond well to harsh amounts of protein. If that isn't enough you can try something harder (Nexxus emergencee, Aphogee 2 step)
Other Tips
The term "dead hair" is misleading. Technically all hair is dead, but when we hear the words "Dead ends" it makes us want to grab for the scissors. Not so fast, most damage done to hair can be repaired with some deep conditioning and TLC. And unlearn the myth that trimming hair makes it grow faster. if that were true many of us would have hair down to the floor by now. Trimming is to make sure that split hair don't unravel up the shaft and cause more damage. Learn how to properly dust your hair and you can avoid trimming completely. and split ends can be temporarily remedied by a hot oil treatment long enough for some new growth to roll in.
Don't follow every hair trend. I've been a "Long hair connoisseur" for some time, and i've seen every hair fad come and go from fabric softener to horse lotion. Before you jump on a hair bandwagon, get your regimen straight FIRST. because nothing else matters if you can't retain your length.
Keep it simple sistah: your regimen doesn't have to be super complex. stick to the 3c's (http://www.longhairdontcare.net/long_hair_dont_care-deleted-2009062...) you will be fine. Simpler is better, trust me! especially in the beginning. you don't want to overwhelm yourself and then give up before you even try.
Get educated- As much as i love this site, it's pretty much the blind leading the blind around here. i mean, it's hard to separate real information from people who just heard "they auntie and em" say something about making your hair care. visit www.longhaircareforum.com if you really want to learn about hair care. The have a $7 membership fee to post in the forum (which explains why everyone on these is really passionate about hair care, and not just passing through.) but it costs NOTHING to just lurk around the message boards and soak up the info.
Don't be a product junkie. over time you will learn what your hair likes, but in the meantime be informed when buying your hair products. know what you need before you walk into the store so the shiny labels don't beguile you. and KNOW what ingredients you should be avoiding (mineral oil, petroleum, silicone, sulfate, etc)
Spread the knowledge! In most cases it takes just weeks to get healthy hair, and months (maybe a year or two) to get the length you desire. Every girl deserves to have long beautiful hair. so tell your friends what you know, and let's shatter the myth that black girls can't have long hair.
Apr 11, 2011
Monday & Tuesday
Monday
I didn't do anything because my Hair was still greasy from Sunday. I have to stop using so much Castor Oil.
Tuesday
Sprayed hair with Motions Nourish leave in
It was still moisturizer so no oil
Did Baggy method on entire head
from approx. 5:00pm-Overnight
I didn't do anything because my Hair was still greasy from Sunday. I have to stop using so much Castor Oil.
Tuesday
Sprayed hair with Motions Nourish leave in
It was still moisturizer so no oil
Did Baggy method on entire head
from approx. 5:00pm-Overnight
Apr 10, 2011
Sunday
I put ORS Replenishing Pak on and had it on approx, 10 min w/o heat
then sat under Dryer for 20 minutes
Cowashed with Suave Tropical Coconut
Applied NTM
Dried w Scarf method
Mixed a new oil to seal with and it is
Indian Hemp Oil/EVOO/EVCO and JBCO
Let's see what results I get from this mixture. I call it Indievococo
I m&s'd my Hair w WN and seal w my Oil mix
Applied JBCO to my Scalp
Tied down with Scarf
then sat under Dryer for 20 minutes
Cowashed with Suave Tropical Coconut
Applied NTM
Dried w Scarf method
Mixed a new oil to seal with and it is
Indian Hemp Oil/EVOO/EVCO and JBCO
Let's see what results I get from this mixture. I call it Indievococo
I m&s'd my Hair w WN and seal w my Oil mix
Applied JBCO to my Scalp
Tied down with Scarf
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