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?

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?

10 Best Things I've Done for My Hair (Whether or not I realized it)

ME at the recent blogger meet up . I am waiting to steal some of their high quality DSLR pics. Post coming soon. Thanks To E, Keeley's husband, for taking my picture.

Hair: My first rod set on all-natural hair.

(Differences: Pre- poo with coconut oil; Giovanni Deep moisture shampoo; Aphogee Pro-vitamin leave-in; Sedal Lissage setting lotion)

Top and Sweater: Express

Jeans: American Rag (They still fit thanks to low-rise and stretch!)

Recently I posted about the 10 Dumbest Things I've Ever Done to My Hair.  If you read it, you will realize that I am pretty lucky to still have hair on my head.  But luck is not the only reason I still have hair. Over the years, I've done a few things right.

#1 I wash my hair in warm water (open up the hair shaft), and rinse out conditioner with cold water (to close the hair shaft.)

#2 I ALWAYS deep condition my hair.  Always...  I  often walk around with conditioner in my hair for hours out of pure laziness.

#3 I limit hair manipulation and only comb my hair with a shower comb. (Yes, I did this with a relaxer as well.) 

#4 I never overdo it. When I recognize (or the beginnings of)  hair damage, I give my hair a break.  ( I don't understand why people who suffer from hair tension alopecia continue to wear tight braids and weaves.)

#5 I stretched my relaxers.  Stretching relaxers doesn't work for everyone --depending on the fragility of your hair. But for me, stretching prevented overprocessing and resulted in faster hair growth. The key is to avoid combing at the line of demarcation when your natural hair reverts.

#6 I vary hair styles. Overuse and abuse of any hairstyle will result in breakage. Rotate the use of braids, weaves, ponytails, and loose hairstyles.

#7 Use quality hair products. Self-explanatory...

#8 I listen to my hair.  Immediately following a relaxer, my hair felt too straight to me.  So I used protein conditioners.  When touch-up time approached, I used moisturizing conditioners to soften the hair.  Pay attention and act appropriately. You can usually catch damage before it's too late.

#9  I eat healthy and drink water.  I don't always eat as healthy as I would like, but I can see a major difference in my hair based upon changes in my diet.  Your hair and nails are the last on the list of nourishment.  (Vital organs and functions are more important.)So if you are not taking care of yourself, it will be evident. 

#10 I appreciate the hair on my head.  When you don't, you end up doing way too much crazy experimentation...and you pay the price.

What are the best things you've done for your hair?