Busy Mom Hair Regimen

I'm the first person to admit. My hair regimen is not perfect. Far from it. But I have to do what works for me and my lifestyle. Even if it is not the most optimal routine. It works for me. And as you can see, my hair is pretty healthy. And my sanity is intact. Here are my tips for maintaining healthy hair, while juggling a busy life:

• K.I.S.S.  - No really. Keep it simple.  The more you complicate things, the more time it takes. Above are pictures on the day of my youngest daughter's baptism. In the past, I would still be fighting with my hair the day of the event. I would try to have freshly washed hair. Or try to do a roller set  -- and it wouldn't dry. This time around, I twisted my hair a few days prior. I wore twists all week that were very easy to maintain.When my husband asked with a scowl, "How long is your hair going to take?". I smiled and said, "All I have to do is untwist!"  It took 10 minutes. Tops.
• Don't let your hair get tangled. The biggest time warp for natural hair is detangling. For me, wash and go's are an absolute no-no. I'm being more adamant about not letting my hair shrink (and tangle),because the long detanglng sessions are just not worth it.  For the remainder of winter, I'm doing the twists  - twistout -updo rotation.  Boring, but it works.
• Trim your ends. I know. There is a lot of debate on this. Some people say every 8 weeks, some say twice a year, others say not at all.  I say... whenever they need to be trimmed. How do I know? I see split ends and/or knots. Or my hair gets tangled at the ends. (Of course, if you don't want to trim often then take extra care of your ends.) But for me, fresh ends cut down on my styling time. And since I don't have lofty hair length goals, I pull out the scissor without giving it a second thought. #dontjudgeme
• Find a wash regimen that works for you, your hair's needs, and your lifestyle. Some swear by co-washing, while others swear by shampoo or even clay washes. Some wash every week, while others wash every two weeks. Do what works for you!  I wash every other week. I co-wash and/or ACV rinse as needed in-between. If I don't see product buildup, I'm not washing my hair just because someone TOLD me I'm supposed to. It saves me from a major headache.  Because I don't wash as often, I'm weary of using products that cause a lot of buildup.  Listen to your hair and figure out a wash routine that works for you.
• Come up with your own tricks! It's easy to get caught up on what the web gurus or hairdressers say, but take the time to become the expert on YOUR hair. You are the person who takes care of your hair on a daily basis. Take the time to learn your hair. You'd be surprised by how much you already know.

What are your tips and tricks to save time on your hair?

Before Meets After: Mommy Transformation

You see that AFTER? I worked HARD for that. REALLY HARD.

As a mom, it takes serious effort to look good. And I swear, I will NEVER have the details down like I did before kids.  But I'm OKwith that. As long as I don't take the easy road and bum it out.  I remember when I was a new mom on a trip to Babiesrus. One of the workers was surprised that I looked so good. I had on an easy, figure-flattering summer dress. Some of the other moms didn't...  Being a mom is hard. But I refuse to dress in a way that announces it to the world. 

With that said, let's discuss how hard it was to get to after....

This is me. The morning of the event.  You see... the night before I started my hair at 9 p.m. after my hubby and I put the kids to bed. I detangled, wash and deep conditioned, and then realized that the shampoo re-tangled my hair a bit. I was over it. Beyond over it. So, instead of fighting with my hair, I banded it so that it would not dry shrunken.  It took less than 5 minutes and I saved my hair from me ripping it out. I then painted my nails and went to bed.  (Mind you, I never paint my nails because I'm always scared they will get chipped.)

The next morning, we got the kids up and went through our morning routine. I then braided my oldest daughter's hair in case my hubby wanted to take the girls out. Remember those nails that I never paint, because I'm scared they will chip? They chipped. 

Once the girls were all set. I removed my nail polish and got to work on my hair. I pulled out the blow dryer to get my hair 80% dry. I pulled my hair back into puff and rolled it forward. I twisted the front to give it some texture.  

After a minor freak out about what to wear, I decided to stop at the mall to pick up a tank for my sheer top. (All the others were stained or stretched. I'm a mom, remember?)  While at the mall, I also picked up concealer. (I obviously can't make it to the mall often. I need start using mail order. ) I met my mom and my sis at my mom's house. I finished getting dressed, released and pinned my twists, and put on my makeup.  

Phew! I'm tired just recapping this story. It was a struggle, but I made it. And I felt good about how great I looked. (Great confidence builder, I tell ya...)

Jenell (another mom) of Kinkycurlycoilyme.com

at New Hair Resolutions 2013

How do you look fabulous despite your busy schedule?

Hair Typing 101 (Part 2)

In part one of the hair typing series, I broke down the various aspects of hair typing: curl pattern, porosity, texture, density, and elasticity.  But now the question is...how do you put this information into practice?

The easiest way to explain this is to use myself as an example.

When I  first went natural. I was quite confused.  Everyone was throwing around terms, products I had to try, and declaring curl types left and right.  Needless to say, I purchased product after product...that didn't work.

That is when I started to take the time to truly understand my hair.  And not just the Andre Walker Typing System, which is limited in its utility.  I learned about various aspects of hair typing so I could better understand how to moisturize and style my hair.  And that is when I had my major breakthrough.

For the record, I am a 3C (in my crown), 4A and 4B in some sections. But honestly, all you need to know is that I have kinky hair. From that, you know that it is more difficult for hair sebum to reach the ends of my hair.  Other than that, it is just aesthetics. The size of my curl.

For me, the most useful information is "porosity".  I guess if I had normal porosity, it wouldn't be so important to me. But since I have low porosity. It is.  Let me explain low porosity a little more so that you can better understand my dilemma.  I was that girl who kept the relaxer in longer, because it just woudn't "take". And today, I'm that girl who stands under the shower head FOREVER because it takes forever for my hair to feel wet.  Products that others rave about just sit on top of my hair without "penetrating".  It is truly an art to get moisture into my hair.  But as I studied more about porosity and perked up my ears when others described having the same issues, a whole new world opened up for me. [And I must point out, I learned about moisturizing my hair from those whose hair looked NOTHING like mine. ]So armed with this information, I'm an aloe vera, mimosa hair honey, spritz bottle toting gal. All because I KNOW how to moisturize my hair. Think about it this way.  You wouldn't buy makeup foundation without knowing whether your skin is dry, normal, or oil would you? So why would you do that when buying hair products?

To me, the second most useful is hair texture. I have medium-thick strands. You know all those people who fear heat damage? I'm not one of them. I'm not saying I can't heat damage my hair -- because I have -- but it is harder for me to do so. Why, you ask? Because my strands are thicker. They are more resilient.  Due to trial and error, I've learned my heat limits.  In fact, for me, wash and gos cause way more damage to my hair.  But for some, with finer strands, heat can seriously wreak havoc on their hair. But if you know your hair texture, you are better prepared to deal with heat and mechanical damage concerns.

The other two typing,  I don't really think about it. My hair has a lot of shrinkage and I've embraced it. My hair is dense. Very dense. I've embraced that too.  Detangling is more of a challenge for me, but I have a very full and vibrant head of hair.

So I guess you would say this is more of a testimonial... 

Each hair types with its own their pros and cons. But if you take the time to learn  your hair, the pros will far outweigh the cons.

What questions do you have about hair typing?  What additional information would you like me to provide on this blog?

How to Cut Down Your Detangling Time

 

Today, I have a guest post on Natural Hair Rules!

In September, I set a record. It took a whopping three days to detangle my hair. A styling assistant washed my hair in a circular motion, which caused numerous tangles. Then, he proceeded to brush my hair from the root and in a rough manner. ( And continued to do so after I expressed concern.) To top it off, the stylist put my dry, matted hair into flat twists. It took three days to remove deadlocks and shed hairs wrapped around my strands. Some of it was detangled. Some of it was cut.  For the last few months, I  have continued to cut shredded ends.

This is a tale of caution. Extreme example? Maybe. But does it provide some valuable lessons? Yes. If it is taking you hours to detangle your hair, it is likely because your techniques are causing excessive tangling. So if you are wondering why it is taking you so long to detangle your hair, here's why:

You do wash and gos...

When I was pregnant, I was too exhausted to twist my hair. Instead, I opted to do wash and gos. It got me out the door, but I paid for it dearly when it was time to detangle. When you stretch your hair in twists and braids, it prevents your curls from coiling around eachother. Once I returned to my regular twist/twistout regimen, my detangling time was cut down significantly.

You don't trim your ends...

It is a major debate over how often you should trim your hair. But a tell-tale sign that its time for a trim is detangling issues. If you find your comb continuously getting caught at ends of your hair -- and breakage-- then it's time for a trim. 

You don't wash your hair in sections...

I used to hate washing my hair in sections because it was an added step. That was until I learned that it cut the length of my I overall wash session. You can braid (or clip) your hair in four or more sections and attack each section one at a time. Remember to focus on your scalp and then run the shampoo down your hair shaft. (Don't scrub like the styling assistant did. It causes tangles.) You can even try detangling prior to your wash since washing your hair causes some shrinkage (and tangling).

You don't add slip...

Slip is the key to detangling with ease. When my hair was uber tangled after my nightmare styling session, I used an entire bottle of cheapie conditioner and detangled my hair in sections under running water. To add slip, you can use water, conditioner, and/or oil.

So there you have it! The reasons why it is taking you so long detangle your hair. Hopefully, incorporating these methods will cut down on your detangling time.

Do you have any other detangling tricks up your sleeve?

Vintage Post: A Braid Out Story

Stories normally start at the beginning.  They introduce the characters, build the plot, anti-climax, and bring the story home.  But in this story, the middle is the most satiating part of the story.  So let's start "in medias res".  (And yes, I looked up the term.)

My hair for my first date night out with the hubby (after baby).

And here's how we got here...

I adjusted my twist out method for a braid out.  For my braid out, I braided my hair and two stranded twisted the ends. I used Shea Moisture on wet hair and sealed the ends with shea butter.

I put coconut oil on my braids and took them down. What the french toast?!  FAIL! Thumbs WAY down. 

Whenever my curls look funny, I pull them close together. It creates a great illusion. So I separated my braids into smaller curls and pulled them into a puff using a headband.  (Check out this video tutorial by bronzeqt.)  I then put Carol Daughter's Some of Marguerite's Magic on the front and laid it down with a head wrap.

And voila!  I got dressed and then dressed up my puff with a headband.  [Refer to "In medias res"]

Day 2

Day 3 (not pictured)  It shrunk and got a little frizzy so I randomly twisted large sections of my hair and sealed the ends with shea butter. The next day I moisturized with CD's Marguerite's Magic, Mimosa Hair Honey, and jojoba oil. (There was no method to my madness. I just put product on until it felt and looked right)

Day 4 - The results of my big random twists. Love!

 Day 5- My hair is the frizzness. Time to redo.  That night I dampened my hair, and rebraided using the original method. 

Does anyone else have any braid out tips? Please feel free to share!

Straight vs. Curly

No  it's not a straight vs. curly debate. I'm so beyond tired of those debates.

I decided to develop a reference chart for what my hair likes in its straight and curly states.  I figured it may be a helpful resource.

Does anyone else have any other straight vs. curly tips?

Guest Post: Protective Style Options

As promised, the posts will return this week after a long hiatus. I am currently uploading pics to my computer to prepare for my post. In the meantime, please check out this guest post from Dominique-Alexis of natural-hair-care-info.com. In her post, she talks about protective styling...something I need to do during the winter months.

By now I’m sure that all naturals are aware of the benefits of wearing two strand twists. They help keep moisture in your curls, they can be done on hair of all lengths, and you get a bonus style when you unravel them!

But do you know just how versatile twists can be? Here I’m going to talk about seven different ways that you can wear twists (two strand, three strand, sister, etc) besides the typical full set kind.

One: Half braided

I did this by braiding the top half of my younger sister’s twists and securing it with a purple Flexi8 hair clip. The clip is totally optional, of course. A hair elastic or hair clip would work as well.

Two: Twisted updo

There’s no right or wrong way to do this hair style. All you need is a hair clip, a banana clip, or bobby pins. Gather your twists in the back of your head and pin them in place with the hair accessory of your choice. You can also leave a few twists out in the front for bangs.

Three: Flat twisted & pinned

I achieved this look by adding four flat twists on either side of my sister’s head before putting the rest of her hair in two strand twists. After that I rolled, pinned, and tucked the twists until I got a braided updo look. Super cute and great for the office!
Four: Twists & cornrows

For this hair style I added five side cornrows before twisting up the rest of her hair. If you don’t know how to cornrow yet, then you can always do some flat twists instead.

Five: Braided twists

Okay so this one is pretty self-explanatory. I simply put my sister’s twists in a Dutch braid, which is the same thing as a cornrow. I’m sure a French braid would look as nice if not better, but I haven’t yet mastered that braid so I stuck with the Dutch braid.

Six: Braided updo

I had my sister lean over her bed with her hair hanging over the edge, then I Dutch braided her twists going towards the top of her head. Lastly, I secured it with a couple of bobby pins and added a bright yellow flower.

Seven: Tied twists

This is a great hair style for the office, weddings, and as a bonus it’s super protective. Start by gathering three twists in each hand at the very top of the head and tie them like you would for the first part of tying your shoelace. Now move down a little, gather a few more twists on either side right below that knot and tie those. Keep repeating until you get to the nape of your neck and end by tucking your ends underneath.

And that’s it! There are so many different ways that you can wear twists! Who says protective hairstyles have to be boring?

Easy as 1-2-3: Straight Hair in the Summer

 Still (almost) straight two weeks later.

Too often hair tutorials and tips can feel very overwhelming. To simplify, we have a new weekly feature with tutorials in as little as three steps.  Easy. Straightforward. And if you need further details we will include links to related posts.

Easy enough? So onto today's installment. Straight hair in the summer. I know. Counterintuitive, right? But with a few simple steps, it can be done.

1. Straighten it...right. The key to great straight hair is to start with a good blow dyer and flat iron. Use a water-based leave-in and good heat protectant.  

2. Bun it. Non-optimal dew point? Bun it. Workout? Bun it.  As soon as you get home. Bun it (or wrap it.) See the pattern?

3. Set it or Pin it. If your hair starts to revert, set it (rod set, pin curl, bantu knot, etc. ) or pin it up into an updo.

Bonus: Don't sweat it. And no, I don't mean "don't sweat".  (Don't let your hair prevent you from exercising.) Don't expect bone straight hair in the summer.  And if you must retouch, don't forget to use dry shampoo. Flat ironing dirty hair means uneven heat protection and a recipe for disaster.

Any other tips for straight hair in the summer?

 

Three Days in the Life of Curlformers

It is no secret. I have fallen in love with Curlformers! I have 4a hair and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth results with no heat! I will admit that I struggled with the Curlformers a bit. Due to the density of my hair, I need to do smaller sections. The process should go a lot smoother

 

My hair after the take down 

Day 1: I decided to style my hair into an updo

The back (I pinned up the back without checking in the mirror.  #mommyskills)

Day 2: High ponytail with curly bang (At night, I simply put on a bonnet. I didn't do anything special to preserve the curls.)

Day 3: High ponytail

Have you ever tried Curlformers? Did you like the results? Do you have any tips and tricks to share?

Vintage Post: Wash 'N Go

I can thank motherhood for reaquainting me with the wash and go.  On Sunday, I pre-pooed (water, coconut oil and baggied) my hair to prep for a wash.  But Mariah, kept me so busy that I couldn't wash and twist my hair.  Before I knew it, it was time for us to take Mariah to my mom's house so the hubby and I could see Transformers for date night.

So to avoid walking around with greasy hair and smelling like a coconut, I had to improvise. 

Wash 'N Go

I washed with Shea Moisture- Moisture Retention Shampoo and conditioned  with Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner.  I then put in Giovanni Direct-Leave -in and sealed with African Royale Hot Six Oil. I then added Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to small sections, detangled, braided, and sealed the ends with shea butter. I then blotted with a t-shirt and blow dried a bit, focusing on the roots, and sealed with jojoba oil. I dressed, pulled into a puff, and put on a headwrap to slick down the front. I took it off before I got out the car at the movies.  And voila!

Co-Wash 'N Go

On Wednesday, I co-washed with Suave Humectants (cheapie conditioner). I finger detangled a bit. I then added Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  I did mini pineapples with scrunchies and  dressed.  I used the aforementioned puff method.

Refresh 'N Go

To refresh for second day hair (points above), I spritzed with water and sealed with jojoba oil.  I used the same puff method.

This definitely won't be my go to style since my hair dries out too quickly with a wash 'n go. But when I'm pinched for time, it is comforting to know that I have this as an option.

What are your time saving hair tricks?

Vintage Post: A Watched Pot Never Boils

Dry flat twist-out using Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque on blown out hair

(Tutorial to follow)

I feel like I woke up one day and there she was... big hair!  Yesterday, my mother-in-law commented about how much my hair has grown. "We used to give it to you", she joked. You got that right!  EVERYONE either had jokes on my hair or gave it the side eye.  But that is no more.  Now I feel like I'm starting a movement.  (Who knew hair could be so powerful?)  Now my nieces want curly hair like mine.  Yesterday, I did a twist and curl in my older niece's hair.  I taught her to how to pre-poo, deep condition, detangle, and style.  I'm determined to get her hair to blossom. She has fine, coarse hair and struggles with breakage.   Everyone is watching to determine whether they will follow suit.  I'm up to the challenge.

One thing I am proud of during my journey is that I resisted the urge to "watch the pot".  I measured it once in January. It was slightly less than 1/2 inch growth per month. Not quite 1/2 an inch.  Instead of getting caught up in measuring my hair I decided to just let it grow.  Whether or not it is on schedule, I am happy since I can see the difference.

 I guess I should follow the same philosophy with weight loss...huh?  I want to thank everyone for their support.  I really am making strides and I should be easier on myself. I'm losing inches and looking leaner with each that day passes.  So I'm officially announcing that I'm going to stop watching the pot.  Instead of weighing myself daily, which is obsessive and unhealthy...I am going to do weekly weigh-ins. To hold myself to it, I'm telling my husband to hide my scale. (He already warned me when we bought it that he would take it away if I start obsessing over my weight. I'm there. He can have it.)  But for old times sake, I weighed myself this morning.  I lost a pound. [Insert happy dance.] Okay. Moment over.

In general (not just hair growth and weight loss), what are you thoughts on "watching the pot"? Is it better to measure progress or follow a laissez-faire approach? At what point does it become obsessive?

Dry Twistout Tutorial

Here is an easy breezy dry twistout tutorial:

Step One:  Pre-poo hair with coconut oil

Step Two: Wash and deep condition hair  (SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner)

Step Three: Add Leave-In (Giovanni Direct leave-in)

Step Four: Seal with oil

Step Five: Blow dry in sections with heat protectant (IC Straightening Serum) [ You can use grapeseed oil to avoid cones]

Step Six: Flat twist with SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque; it took about 30 minutes

Step Seven: Take down twists and style. Have some oil on your fingers to reduce frizz

  That's it!   Do you prefer wet or dry twistouts?     I prefer wet since they last longer. (I only like to do my hair once a week.)  

Vintage Post: So you want to go natural...

Two weeks ago, I was approached for the first time with questions about transitioning to natural hair!  Coincidentally, it was my sister's friend from high school. I provided some basics and directed her to natural hair sites such as Curly Nikki and BGLH and youtube videos.

Thinking back to my own transition, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all of the information.  I bought products unsure of how they would work on my hair.  And I found myself confused by conflicting ideologies of bloggers and vloggers.  That's when I really started to think.  What is some of the basic information and specific resources you would provide to a transitioner or new natural?  It doesn't have to all inclusive...just a springboard to get them started. 

This is where I need your help. 

If your hair is "natural", are there any specific blog posts or videos that you think would be particularly helpful? If you are a transitioner or new natural, what information would you find helpful?


And here are some pics...

She wanted to be held upright.

Vintage Post: No Lye Anniversary!

In the midst of all the baby hoopla, I forgot to celebrate my one year no lye anniversary.  Last year, on April 26, 2010, I cut my hair into a Rihanna cut. I later decided that I was over relaxers and it was inadvertently was my last.



My new easy breezy hairstyle is to rock twists for a few days and then rock a twist-out.  In the coming weeks, I'll have to do some product reviews and regimen updates. I don't try new products often, but I have tons of products that I have used over an extended period of time.  I can provide some detailed reviews for those products. 

The biggest lesson(s), I've learned over the last year is:

Keep it simple and if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Do you have any specific hair questions you would like me to answer?

Vintage Post: Roll and Tuck Updos

 I'd like to introduce you to my new favorite hairstyle.  I finally came to the realization that my hair is finally long enough to do updos with ease...so I went for it. It was actually quite simple...
 
Step One: Dampen Hair, with particular attention to any section you plan on parting.  (You don't want to hear snap, crackle, pop) 
 
Step Two: Use scrunchies to hold your sections
 
Step Three: Apply styling products. ( I used Margherites' Hair Magic and Eco Styler gel)
 
Step Four: Tuck and roll to your heart's desire
 
Step Five:  Seal with an oil
 
Optional:  * Add Accesories * Lay down edges with a headtie
   

I was bored so I tried a different hairstyle yesterday and I'm wearing again today...

   

What is your new go to hairstyle?



Vintage Post: New Mom Beauty Routine

You're looking at it!

Hair, dry as the sahara desert...check

Pizza face...check

Dreadful eyebrows...check

Spit-up adorned clothes...check

Baby fat...check

At least I can laugh about it. And I promise I put myself together when I go in public.  But honestly, I find pockets of me time whenever I can.  Yesterday, I did a bentonite clay treatment on my face. I exercise at least 20 minutes a day.  When daddy gets home, I'm taking a long shower and washing this hair of mine.  And on Friday, these eyebrows are getting threaded. (Your days are numbered.)

Tomorrow, I'll let you know the results of my fitness assessment. I'm basically fit and recovering well from my pregnancy a.k.a.  I need to get a grip and be patient.   

Now back to baby.  She is suffering from hold me syndrome.  If you have a cure, please let me know.  Le sigh. How do you find time to take care of YOU?

Vintage Post: Mattastic

My hair is Mattastic!

According to the urban dictionary, this word means better than great. But I'm adding a new definition, because I surely haven't felt better than great over the last few weeks. And for the record...if I disappear from the blog, you can guess one of three things. I'm sick. I'm exhausted. I'm in labor (real or "practice").

But enough with the formalities. Back to my mattastic hair....

 Because I've been feeling under the weather, I've been neglecting my hair.  Straight...abuse.  I literally let my hair dry up, mat, knot, and just covered it with a bonnet and/or hat.  I paid dearly for my actions.  Last week, I lost more hair than usual. This week, my detangling session -- which included coconut oil, hair oil, deep conditioning, and lots of patience -- took all day.  I was determined not to lose a lot of hair! `  To avoid the aggravation this week, I roller set my hair and sat under the dryer. (Sorry no pics.)

On April 28, 2011, it will be one year since my last relaxer.  Throughout my journey, I'm always placed with new challenges. My newest challenge is matting. In fact, my hair is very prone to matting. When I was a kid, my past shoulder length hair shriveled up to a small twa on wash day.  It's just what my hair does.  And as my hair grows back, I'm learning the hard way that I can't be lazy (sigh).  I must keep my hair stretched and detangled. I don't have wash and go hair.  I can't just spritz my hair with water to refresh.  (I can spritz and retwist though.)   Big twists for a twist-outs result in matting [points above].  (Don't be fooled. The top is the only defined part of my hair. The rest is matted.)

LESSON LEARNED: I'm one of those people who if I did nothing to my hair, I would have one large dreadlock on my head...lol.  I'm referencing kimmaytube, btw. Coincidentally, the same day I decided to stop my matt-causing habits...I found this video.

Check it out...



Does anyone else struggle with hair that is prone to matting/tangling/single-strand knots? Any tips?   

Let's Discuss.

Misikko Hana Flat Iron Review (Part 2)

August 2011

As promised in part 1, here is part 2 of my Hana flat iron review. I have to say that I was pretty pleased with the flat iron results. (Please note that I used a creamy leave-in to help with detangling since I was wearing wash 'n gos the week prior so my hair was a bit fluffier than usual.) To sum up the difference

between my old flat iron and the Hana Flat iron, it: (1) had a lot of movement (2) did not make me worry that my hair wouldn't revert. I'm going to have to follow up with results when I use an appropriate leave-in for straightening...but so far so good.

January 2011

February 2011

May 2011

Vintage Post: My first puff (and crazy eyes...)

Today, I reached a major milestone!  I achieved my first puff! (Doing a little happy dance...) Before I explain how I achieved this look, I must first make a confession.  I haven't washed my hair in almost two weeks.  (Don't judge me. I did cleanse my scalp with some astringent when it started to itch though.) Yes... this is my curl revision from my rod set.  It started to revert on its own... so I helped it along with steam and water spritzes.  Don't worry. I plan on washing and deep conditioning this weekend.

Step 1: Spritz with water/conditioner mix.

Step 2: Add Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie for more moisture and curl definition.

Step 3: Seal with Hot Six Oil spray (or oil/oil mixture of your choice).

Step 4: Used Let's Jam to smooth edges (Yes, I know it has alcohol...and it's not Cetyl which is fatty and moisturizing either.   But I don't like ecostyler...sorry.)

Step 5: Used sock to pull hair into puff. (You can use a stocking or shoe string as an alternative.)

Step 6: Put on a headtie to smooth edges.  Drove to work and took it off upon arrival.

* On another note...

Don't I look like I have crazy eyes in this pic?  Nadette has a theory that people who have crazy eyes are usually... crazy!  I've tested this theory time and time again.  And she is very right.  I promise I'm not crazy though.  I have a family member in the hospital and I think I was trying too hard to smile. After a couple attempts, I finally gave up and settled on this picture. 

Vintage Post: Wash & No-Go

BEFORE

 Why is my hair all over the place? Because I was picking at my scalp, of course. It is a bad habit I picked up from my relaxed days when chemical burns were the norm.  Don't judge me.

THE DILEMMA

Have you heard about the Cantu Shea Butter warning? The one that states that you you should avoid putting the product on your scalp.  Well if you do some further research, you will learn that this rule applies to all leave-in conditioners.  This is particularly important if you have a sensitive scalp like mine.  Thanks to my hard-headedness, I ravaged my scalp.  Imagine how sore and itchy your scalp feels after a chemical burn.  Yup, that was me.  It wasn't pretty.

Hair. Resilient. Scalp. Super-sensitive.  (I bet you thought my hair catastrophe would be fried hair.  Bwahaha.)

When I first BC'd, my go to (modified) wash and go routine was to put Cantu Shea Butter on a dried-up twist-out (approximately 3 days old). The next day did I wash it out? No.  Or, the next day? Of course, not.  So by the the third day, As  you can imagine, my hair itched horribly.  The itch-factor coupled with the strong smell forced me to switch to Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

With a new product, I continued the same habits.  (I didn't feel like re-twisting my hair mid-week and needed an easy solution. I'm stubborn. Don't judge me.)  At first, my scalp was ok.  Eventually, the itching ensued. But worst.  By the time I straightened my hair in late February, my scalp was ready for a break.

THE TREATMENT...

 I clarified my hair and applied jojoba oil and castor oil to the scalp, which provided some relief. But I still found myself picking at my scalp and my scalp flaking horribly.  This weekend, I finally decided to do a Bentonite Clay treatment.  Ultimate relief.  Ahhhh! My scalp no longer feels sore and raw. 

LESSON LEARNED

Will I stop using Shea Moisture? No.  It works great for wet twist-outs.  Will I stop putting almost half the jar on my head for a wash and go? Yes. I've learned my lesson.  My scalp doesn't like build-up. I get it.  I'll stop being lazy. I'll do my hair mid-week.  I also will not be one of those people who leaves 90% of conditioner in their hair.  I will stick to leave-ins since they are not as heavy and are designed to be left in the hair.

AFTER

My luscious curls are ready for their close-up.

Has anyone had a similar experience due to misuse of products?  Any suggestions for someone with a sensitive scalp?