Ok, guys after about a year of researching, youtubing (lol), reading and buying products, I'm finally getting to know what works for MY hair. It's so tempting to go out and buy everything you see that someone else is using on their hair and think it will work for you. I decided a while back that I refused to be a product junkie all my life...LOL. I looked up and my bathroom and cabinet looked like a mini Beauty Supply!!!! Can't afford to be a product junkie, especially buying stuff that I only use once or twice and then I forget about it as it sits and collects dust. UM NO THANKA YOU! :) I have other things I can be doing with my money than wasting it. Took me a minute to realize that what works for one may not work for another but I have it now....I think ;-) So, with that being said, here's my updated hair regimen as of 12/2010.
Keep in mind, I am almost 7 months post (27 weeks) relaxer and so my regimen is a tad bit different from if I was freshly relaxed. My focus now is MOISTURE....MOISTURE....MOISTURE while I'm stretching!
Pre-poo: 100% Pure Coconut Oil.
STAPLE!!!!!
Washing: I wash my hair every two weeks using ORS Uplift Shampoo or my Fantasia Tea Tree Shampoo/Conditioner/Scalp Serum (WORKS WONDERS...eliminates ALL itching) if my scalp is itching. I am currently looking for a regular moisturizing shampoo (if you have one you suggest, let me know). Every six weeks I use my Aphogee Treatment (Shampoo, condition, protein treatment etc.)
Conditioner: Suave Humectant....I'M SO GLAD I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS CONDITIONER. Leaves my hair sooooooo soft and makes detangling sooo easy and that's a BONUS at 7 months post relaxer. DOUBLE BONUS is I pay under $2 for it at CVS. ;-) I only have to spray a little if any of my Mane & Tail Detangler.
STAPLE!!!
Deep Conditioning (W/ Every Wash...ON DRY HAIR...30 mins w/ heat or 1 hr+ without): Concoction: Silk Elements Olive Oil Moisturizing Treatment, mixed with oils and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner. While on the search one day online for help with stretching because it was looking real rough there and I thought I might just have to relax. My hair was not acting right around the 4th & 5th months and I was desperate for some tips. On youtube I came across this
video and I had on hand everything she used for her concoction, so I tried it and my hair said YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. I've been using it every since and it's really help my new growth to be so manageable and extra soft.
STAPLE!!!
Moisturize & Seal: As Needed. Because I'm stretching, I'm really heavy handed with this step so my hair does not need this every day. However, I do apply Coconut Oil daily or every other day. Also, During my search for tips that would help while stretching, I came across this
blog and it was just RIGHT ON TIME...this concoction right here makes my new growth smooth as butter.
STAPLE!!!!
Styling: LOW MANIPULATION!!!! Braids, Twists, Ponytails...off the shoulder. Very minimal direct heat. Currently, I'm rocking medium sized twist....like my pic here. In the coming months, I wants to try curly-dos with flexi rods, and I make straighten so I can see my progress...We shall see. Stay tuned... Thanks for tagging along on my journey!
Lady D
9. FINALLY, Maybe, just maybe... try some color for 2011. Of course this would be a nervous step with me being relaxed but see if its possible to have both relaxed and colored treated hair. Amend my regimen accordingly to combat dryness from coloring. If it falls out...remember....it's only HAIR....remember when you cut it to SL----see pic> (that's scalp length...not shoulder length...LOL) and look where you are now...;-)
