My Detangling Combo

After trying TreSemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner it became my staple co-wash/co-rinse conditioner. But after a taking a break from it then revisiting it my hair did not like it anymore. I ended up putting it to the side. Recently, I decided to give it another try as my leave-in/detangler. I don’t use oils to seal with anymore. I only use serums. My favorite has been the Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum but after seeing Babilon Kay’s (HealthyHairMission) video on how good the Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum is for detangling, I went out and purchased it. I use it to seal with after applying the TreSemme Naturals. My hair is loving this combo. My hair air dries very soft, smooth, and is very moisturized after using it. So far, it has help make detangling a little easier. A little bit goes along way with both products.  

2013 Hair Plans

For 2013 I don’t plan on changing anything about my regimen.

·       I’ll continue to stretch for 16 weeks

·       Protective style with buns

·       Continue to use low to no heat

·       Keep up with the challenges I joined on Hairlista and KISS (I’ll do a separate post on that)

My length goals:

BSB is next on the list. I am not in a hurry to get there. Health over length. The only reason I am doing length checks this year is because it is required for a challenge and they will be done once every 3 month.

Simplicity is what it’s all about!

What are you doing for 2013?

FINALLY APL

I’ve reached a Hair Journey Milestone. I have finally reached APL after a lot of trial and error. I went to the beauty shop and got my hair wrapped. I had a pleasant salon visit. No trim was needed and I believe not using heat a lot contributed to this. So I will definitely continue that practice. I am currently 11 weeks post. Next goal: BSB in 2013

Here is the progression of my hair so far. I don't take a lot of pictures or do a lot of length checks. I don't want to discourage myself:

 

July 2010

Dec 2011 after a trim

March 2012

Dec 2012

Wash Day Chronicles

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Co-Rinse Day

What a horrible wash day, ya'll.  Matted and tangled hair galore. I started back working out this week. I wanted rinse some of the sweat out of my hair from the last few days. I rinsed my hair in the shower and used the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. Rinsed that out and towel dried. My hair was soft but tangled. I was so frustrated with try to detangle that I had to take a break otherwise I would have pulled every strand out of my head. So I took a break and detangle. I somewhat salvaged my poor hair. Let it air dry and left it alone.

Fast forward to Friday, November 30, 2012

So after posting my frustrations on Hairlista some of my sisters in hair said that I possible had product build up and could see that being apart of the issue. I was oiling my scalp nightly with the Hair Trigger Growth Elixir, m&s afterwards, and add in the sweat from working out. I could very well have a build up. I also think that my technique was a culprit as well. I should have known better not to wash my hair all down being 10 weeks post. Shame on me. 

So this wash day, I took my time and washed in sections. I've washed my hair in sections before but I never really took my time and it paid off.  My hair was less tangled and easier to managed. 

1. I clarified with the Creamy Aloe Shampoo from ORS making sure that I cleansed my scalp first. Followed that up with CON Argan OIl Moisture and Shine Shampoo. This shampoo is great for detangling and  has saved my hair on many occasions.  

 

2. I used the Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor on each section. Left that on while I tended to my other shower duties then rinsed it out. I use this once a week to add a bit of protein to my hair since my products are mostly moisture based.



3. After rinsing the conditioner, I towel t-shirt dried my hair then added my deep conditioner. Seeing as how I have a variety of deep conditioners in my arsenal it was hard to pick which one I wanted to use but I ended choosing the Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner from Shi-Naturals. I DC with that for 30 minutes under the dryer. Then left it on for an additional 2 to 3 hours while I did some things around the house. 

4. I detangled with the comb and my fingers at times. My leave of choice was the TreSemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner. This conditioner a few months ago was used as a co-wash conditioner and my hair loved it. I stopped using for a minute went back to it and my hair said "Hell NO! What is this you are putting on me." lol My hair felt extremely dry. Therefore it went to the product graveyard. I usually use the Shi-Naturals Creamy Leave-In at this point but I wanted to try something else this time around. Now the TreSemme Conditioner is coming out of the product graveyard and going back into my product lineup as my leave-in on wash days. 

5. After detangling and moisturizing with the TreSemme Naturals I sealed the Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. I stopped using oils awhile and this has become sealer of choice. I love it. Despite it's thickness my hair never feels or look weighed down and it smells great. As for my hair not breaking anymore, I don't use it for that reason so I can't say Yay or Nay to that claim. I love it anyway.

6. I air dry my hair 100% of the time now and I haven't had a problem so far. I use the scarf method to keep my edges smooth. I sometimes air dry in 2 bantu knots or in twists. Then I rock a textured bun until I wash again. The end. lol

Moral of the story: ladies by patient and gentle with your hair. This is a hair journey not a hair sprint. Let's keep the setbacks to a minimum. 

Shi-Naturals: My favorite hair care line

http://shinaturals.bigcartel.com/

Shi-Naturals is a great great product line. It's an homemade, all natural, and PH Balanced line. Shia, pronounced she-a, the owner is great. She answers all questions whether it's through email, fb, or a phone call. You do not have to be natural to use her products. I am relaxed and my hair has loved just about every product that I have used. She has products that range from the pre-poo step , co-washing, to styling. As soon as I am able to this line will be my staple product line to use. 

I was first introduced to this products from a fellow Hairlista member. We were both in a challenge together last year and she decided to leave and focus on using the growth potion from Shi-Naturals. My curiosity got the best me and I found the challenge page that is on Hairlista and also looked at the website. From there I decided to order the sample kit. So I can try them out. The sample kit consisted of the Lemonade shampoo, moisture balance and protein balance deep conditioners, moisture balance and protein balance spray leave-ins, and creamy leave-in that was lemon scented. I was in love that quick and I put in order for the full size of a few products. 

Here are a few things from her line that I love with their descriptions, usage, and ph balance number, and also my reviews.

Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner:
 This all natural creamy conditioner will moisturize thirsty hair without weighing down your strands. Works for natural and relaxed textures

How to use :

On wet hair - apply a generous amount from root to ends. Making sure to cover all strands. Place plastic cap on head. Cover head with towel or use a hooded dryer to process for 30 minutes. Rinse and style

On dry hair - apply a generous amount from root to ends. Making sure to cover all strands. Place plastic cap on head. Cover head with towel or use with or without heat. process for 30 minutes with heat or 45 minutes without heat. Rinse and style.

♥Ingredients♥ shea butter, grapseed oil, almond oil, BTMS, coconut milk, vitamin E, grapefruit seed oil, essential oil for fragrance

ph balanced
4.0 - 6.0

(Comes in different scents as well)

Protein Balance Deep Conditioner:

 This all natural creamy protein deep conditioner will strengthen and fortify weak and damaged hair without leaving hair hard. Works for natural and relaxed textures

How to use :

On wet hair - apply a generous amount from root to ends. Making sure to cover all strands. Place plastic cap on head. Cover head with towel or use a hooded dryer to process for 30 minutes. Rinse and style

On dry hair - apply a generous amount from root to ends. Making sure to cover all strands. Place plastic cap on head. Cover head with towel or use with or without heat. process for 30 minutes with heat or 45 minutes without heat. Rinse and style.

♥Ingredients♥ shea butter, grapseed oil, almond oil, BTMS, silk amino acid, wheat protein, panthenol, coconut milk, vitamin E, grapefruit seed oil, essential oil for fragrance

ph balanced
4.0 - 6.0

Coconut Creme Deep Conditioner:

This creamy coconut conditioner coats your strands in moisture and strengthens with coconut oil.

How to use :
1. After washing or co-washing, apply generously from roots to ends.

2. Put on plastic cap and wrap a towel around head. Let your body heat process conditioner, or put on plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer or steamer. Conditioner can also be applied on dry hair (then follow #2-3)

3. Process 15-30 minutes with heat (optional)
Process 30-60 minutes without heat (optional)

Ingredients: Distilled water Coconut milk, coconut oil, btms, silk protein, coconut essential oil

ph balanced - 16 oz

Note: Now with the Moisture and Protein Balance conditioners I sometimes mix the two and my hair comes out very moisturized.

My review for all three products: My hair loves all of these conditioners. My feels very moisturized when it's wet and more importantly when it dries. I buy the 16 oz jars and have learned that a little bit goes along with these products. Sometimes I feel like I don't need to moisturize and seal afterwards but I still do. I deep condition with heat for 30 minutes under the dryer and my hair loves it. I highly recommend these products.

 Creamy Leave-In

This creamy formulation is great for dry thirsty hair. Use as a moisturizing leave in after wash or daily. Will not build up on strands. Your hair will be so soft!

Light Leave-In formulation/or Heavy Leave-In formulation

How to use: After rinsing, apply a quarter size amount to damp hair, from root to ends. Seal with oil (optional)
Proceed to styling

Ingredients: light formulation
shea butter, grapeseed oil, almond oil, aloe vera juice, castor oil, organic lavendar, rosa mosqueta seed oil (rose hips), vitamin E, grapefruit seed oil

♥Ingredients♥ Heavy formulation
shea butter, grapeseed oil, aloe vera gel, lemon oil, vitamin E, grapefruitseed oil

Choose your fragrance from the drop down box

All products ph balanced
4.0 - 6.0

My review: I use this as my daily moisturizer. It is very creamy and at the time very light. It doesn't weigh my hair down. Which is a huge plus for me since I moisturize and seal every night. Again, a little bit goes a long way. It comes in different scents. I really like the lemon scent but chocolate is my fav.

No-Poo cleansing conditioner. Wash you hair without the harsh chemicals that dry and strip delicate strands. Bath your hair in moisture. All natural and organic. Does not contain sulfates or parabens

How to use : Use in place of your regular shampoo or alternate between your shampoo.

♥Ingredients♥ Distilled water, orange water, btms conditioner, shea butter, almond oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, grapefruitseed oil

Apply to entire length of hair and scalp. Massage gently for a few minutes or leave on hair 5-30 minutes for extra conditioning. Rinse, then apply your deep conditioner (optional)
Stlye as usual

ph balanced 4.0 - 6.0

My review: I've tried the As I Am Coconut Co-wash (AIACCW) and I absolutely prefer the Shi-Naturals No-Poo Co-wash conditioner. The (AIAcCW) left my hair a dry tangled mess. The No-Poo leaves my hair feeling a cleansed and soft. It doesn't have a particular scent.  

Regimen as of November 2012

UPDATED 12-6-12

I wash my hair 2 times a week. My first wash is on Tuesdays I co-rinse/co-wash my hair. On Friday's, I do my shampoo washes. I air dry mostly and limit my heat usage to once a month, if that. Below is my regimen and the products I use. 

I texlax every 3 to 4 months

Use heat once month if I use it at all.

Moisturize and Seal every night

Apply my oil to scalp Sunday through Thursday

I deep condition with heat for no more than 30 minutes.

I deep condition after every wash

Sunday-Thursday:

Scalp Treatment

• Apply Hair Trigger to my scalp especially to my nape which is my problem area

Tuesdays: Co-wash/Co-Rinse

• I co-rinse/co-wash with whatever conditioner I feel like using that day
• I deep condition with whatever Shi-Naturals Deep Conditioner or Silk Dreams DC I have on had or the ORS Olive Oil Hair Masque or ORS HaiRepair Nourishing Conditioner
• Then I apply my leave-ins (Shi-Naturals Creamy Leave-In, CON Spray Leave-in, then seal with Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum) *I now use TreSemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner and the Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum*
• Finger detangle
• Air dry in a bun or down

Friday: Shampoo wash days

• Wash with Shi-Naturals Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo or Creme of Nature's Argan Oil Shampoo

• Condition with the ORS Curls Unleashed No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner or TreSemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner or CON Intensive Conditioning Treatment or the Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

• Then I deep condition with whatever Shi-Naturals Deep Conditioner or Silk Dreams I have on hand or ORS Olive Oil Hair Masque or ORS HaiRepair Nourishing Conditioner
• Then I apply my leave-ins (Shi-Naturals Creamy Leave-In, CON Spray Leave-in, then seal with Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum)*I now use TreSemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner and the Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum* 
• Finger detangle
• Air dry in a bun or down

*Yes I have a lot of products. I am not ashamed lol

*I do not use combs on my hair much anymore and so far so good*
*I t-shirt dry only*

Products List:

Shampoo:
Sulfate Free: CON Argan Moisture and Shine Shampoo
Clarifying: ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo

Conditioner:
CON Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment
ORS Curls Unleashed No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner 


Deep Conditioners: 
Shi-Naturals:
Moisture Balance 
Protein Balance
Coconut Creme Conditioner
Olive and Almond Oil Conditioner 

Silk  Dreams:
Chocolate Bliss
Vanilla Silk Cream Moisture Dream
Mocha Silk Infusion

Others:
ORS Olive Oil Hair Masque
ORS HaiRepair Nourishing Conditioner
Soft N Free GroHealthy Milk Protein and Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning Treatment


Leave-ins and Serum I use to moisturize and seal with:
Shi-Naturals Creamy Leave-In
Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner
Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum 
Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum

History of the Mane

My story is just like many of yours. I had a gripe with my hair. Why won't grow? Why is constantly breaking? Is it afraid to go past my shoulders or something? lol I was one of those girls who put a towel over her head and pretended that I had long hair. Now I want my own and I'm slowly but surely making progress in getting the healthy longer that I wanted. But the hair practices that I was doing back in the day was not going to help me achieve the hair that wanted. I used grease, which weighed my hair down. I relaxed my hair every 4 weeks. Yes that is what I said and I am ashamed. lol I thought that I had a lot of new growth at 4 weeks post. Baby, looking back I had none. I stretch between 13-15 weeks now. Don't let me not be able to get to the shop on time for a touch up. Going an additional week would kill me and I would have my mom do my touch ups. Lord have mercy!!! What was I thinking. Anywho, I flat ironed a lot. I used that greasy Pink Lotion stuff. I didn't know what to do with my hair in between visits to the shop. When I would wash my hair in between visits I would shampoo and condition. That was it. I never deep conditioned my hair. I didn't have anything to moisturize my hair with. I was in bad shape for a long time.

What made me start a hair journey, you ask? Well, back in July 2010 I was completely fed up with my hair. It was neck length and not getting longer. The last straw was the area in my hair that constantly broke off started breaking again. I couldn't take it anymore. Here are a few pics of my hair in July 2010.

  

So in Aug 2010, I decided to put my hair in a sew-in. Initially, I didn't know how long I was going to keep doing sew-ins but eventually decided to keep up with sew-ins for a year. 

Pic of my progress after my last sew-in take down:

After texlax:

As you can see my hair did pretty good from keeping in that protective style for so long. So here are a few pics of my hair currently:

b

Is my hair as long as I would want it to be? No but I am happy with the progress that I have made and the health that I have gained. Ultimately, I would like to get to BSB. I don't have a time frame or deadline to reach it. I'll just try to enjoy the ride as I make my way there. But I will say that I think that my hair is longer than it is the picture because I texlax my hair and it shrinks a lot. I won't find out my hair real hair length until the end of Dec when I texlax again.

Note: I decided to go ahead with my full 16 week stretch. I'll be relaxing the second week of January.