I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've shared anything about my hair journey on the blog! I looked in my hair journal this morning and saw that I've switched a few things up since my last share, so I decided to share an updated regimen. Also I'm taking part in Traycee's 2013 KISS Boot Camp Challenge so making note of these changes on the blog helps me stay on task and remain accountable. Check out the details below.
Daily: Moisturize and seal.
Nightly, I moisturize my hair and seal it with oil. Then I wrap or pin my hair, covering it with a silk scarf. 2-3 times a week I do scalp massages, using a fusion of coconut oil, castor oil, and peppermint oil (which stimulates the scalp).
Moisturizers I Use:
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship
Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer (alternate with the above)
Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Lotion (during long stretches)
Various Oils I Use:
Castor Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Jojoba Oil
On Sunday, I clean my hair by co-washing (washing with conditioner) or shampooing with a moisturizing shampoo such as Nexxus Therappe.
On Wednesday, I clean my hair by co-washing again. After co-washing, I deep condition my hair, rinse, apply leave-in conditioner, moisturize and seal, and place in a protective style (usually a bun).
I always air-dry unless I’m away from home.
Conditioners Used for Co-Washing:
Hair One Hair Cleanser and Conditioner with Tea Tree Oil
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
Conditioners Used for Deep Conditioning:
Nexxus Humectress infused with Coconut Oil, Castor Oil and Peppermint Oil
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration infused with Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, and Peppermint Oil
Bi-Monthly: Hot Oil Treatment
I do this more often in the Winter months, as my scalp and hair are more prone to dryness in the Winter. This hot-oil treatment is usually a mix of Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, and Peppermint Oil.
Monthly: Clarifying Wash, and Protein Deep Conditioning
Once monthly, I do a clarifying wash with ORS Aloe Shampoo. I also deep condition with a light protein conditioner such as ORS Replenishing Conditioner infused with Castor Oil and Peppermint Oil. Afterwards, I apply leave-in conditioner, moisturize and seal, and place in a protective style.
4 x Annually: Relaxer and Protective Style
I relax by using Motions No-Lye Relaxer. Before applying neutralizer, I rinse relaxer from hair and apply a light protein to the hair such as Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor. This replenishes the protein I lost from the relaxing process. I let it stay on for 5 minutes, then continue with the neutralizing and deep conditioning process. Afterwards, I apply a leave-in conditioner, moisturize and seal, and place hair in a protective style.
Use as needed: Hair Spritzer
To keep my hair moisturized, especially during stretches, I spritz my hair with a mix of aloe vera juice, rosewater and vegetable glycerine. It helps with detangling also. Find out more about the mix here.
**My Hair Essentials**
silk scarf/bonnet (to protect my hair from moisture-stripping cotton)
plastic caps (for deep conditioning)
one a day women's multi-vitamin (self-explanatory)
biotin (growth aid I've been using on and off -but mostly on)
plastic applicator bottles and spray bottles (to apply products to hair)
plastic applicator bottles and spray bottles (to apply products to hair)
**About My Hair**
Relaxed
Between Shoulder Length and Armpit Length
Type: 4A
**Protective Styling**
Sew-Ins
Half-Wigs
Buns
**Hair Goals**
Thicker, healthier hair
Middle Back Length (MBL)
What is your current hair care regimen?
