I am developing a regimin. This has been difficult as I am a PJ. I have finally decided to record the products that I continue to go back to. I will continue to update this post- I will create a tab at the top to keep you all updated.
My understanding is that you should have seasonal routines. so as we are coming into Spring, I should be using 'lighter' products. My problem with this is:
1. We barely get Spring or Summer in England- we may actually go through all four seasons in one day!
2. My hair is sooooo thick I dont think I will get away with lighter products. My har looks at its healthiest when I use rich products. We shall see if this changes.
So here is my current routine with products as of April 2010.
Wash: Once a month with Black African soap
Condition {co wash}: Twice a week with either HEHH or GFSS whatever is closest to me.
Leave in: Trader Joes Nourish and Shine (some left from Frisco trip) or Curl Harmony Shea Butter conditioner (still some left over) or GFSS if I have nothing else.
Deep condition: Curl Harmony Intensive Repair Conditioner (hug) AOHR with a little added EVOO or a concoction of EVOO, EVCO,Jojoba oil and whatever else is lying around. Red Palm Oil (until it is finished)
Special Treatment: Henna every 4-6 weeks, bentonite Clay every now and again (when I run out of henna), Protein Treatment, Coconut Milk, as and when needed.
Moisturise: Daily. If I am wearing twists/braids, I use my spritz at night before I go to bed. I then re-seal. If I have a puff I am trying to reserve I will rub a little condish and water on it in the morning to wake it up.
Oil: I use a little oil on my scalp every week or so (I am not religious about it though) I use any of these oils on my skin or my hair. Jojoba Oil, EVCO,EVOO, Avocado oil.
Seal: I seal every single time I style my hair. I use Shea Butter, Curl Harmony Hair butter, or EVCO. I am going to explore avocado butter also.
What I do:
On wash nights I saturate my hair with water (dont usually do it in the Shower. I haver sensitive skin and I hate the feel of stuff running down my body (details!!) So I am stooped over the bath- I ensure that my hair is comepletly soaked. I then get a small bit of soap, rub it straight into my hair. I build up quite a lather, gently rub my scalp also. I then rinse thououghly. I do this once a month, and I only wash it once. I am confident that the soap gets my hair squeeky clean. As most of the products I use are natural I dont worry too much about build up. I then DC ususally with heat or with several plastic bags and a scarf if I am feeling lazy.
On co-wash nights I thoroughly saturate my hair with water, get a generous amount of condish and rub it in. I then pass the shower head over the condish again, just to give a little extra 'slip' {a tip I learned from curlynikki} I then run my fingers through my hair from back to front. It is usually as easy as that to detangle, however as it is getting a little longer I have reached for my wide toothed comb. I may begin to wash in sections. When I read other blogs, that seems to be the thing to do.
For DC, I will apply whatever oil,creme I have chosen to use. I will use a generous amount then put a plastic bag on I will usually set aside a day for this, so I will be pottering about in the house all day with plastic bag and scarf on. iI will sometimes use my microwave heat cap for 1/2 hour in addition to this.Then I rinse, add my leave in, and style as usual.
After I leave in my condish of choice, I usually section hair- with fingers and braid or twist. I usually do around 6-8 twists/braids around my head (I look ridiculous lol!) I then seal every braid/twist with EVCO or shea butter. I literally put a little on the fingertips and seal the last 2 inches of my hair. Then i simply put my head tie on and go to bed. I do have a hooded bonnet dryer- but it takes soooooo llong to dry, that I barely ever use it.( It does give excellent sheen to my hair though)
So there it is.
What do you do? any suggestions on what I could do differently?
Let me know.
Jah Bless
Naturally
