Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care

Mallorie writes:

Looking for a nice updo for a wedding or special occasion? I was too, until I stumbled upon this easy style. No product required... just 5 long bobby pins and a pretty headband or ornament. Above is a picture of the look, but the how-to tutorial is HERE.

Y.M. Heard writes:

A few weeks ago I decided that 3 months after my BC, I was ready to try straightening my hair. I'd been thinking about it for awhile and my engagement party was coming up, so I decided it was the right time to try it. I gathered all my natural hair friendly products, stopped by Sally's to get a good heat protector, and took everything to my stylists house. After 2 hours I had a lovely style. A flat twisted front and a flat iron flipped back. I loved it! I loved it for exactly 5 days before I missed my curls. So I wet the back in an effort to bring my curls back. My hair curled on cue, only my curls didn't pop like normal. I was a little concerned but figured they'd bounce back after a good wash. A good wash came and went but my natural spiral curls didn't return. I panicked. I wondered if I'd done permanent damage to my lovely coils. I read that using a flat iron on your curls could alter the curl pattern but I assumed it was after repeated and extreme straightening. I was scared that my spirals would never return. Luckily after a second, better wash, my coils returned! *Sigh of relief* While I haven't sworn off straightening my hair, it definitely won't be a part of any regular routine! My question to the Curly Nikki family is:

Hola chicas!

It's that time again! The images below are of CN readers at their flyyest...at work, on the town, and with the fam. Showing us all that natural hair is not a fad, it's a way of life...an extension of our beauty! Click on the images to enlarge them:

Elina A. writes:


This is me on my wedding day, June 26, 2010. My hair was two strand flat-twisted all over, and pinned up in the middle. I wasn't sure what to do with my hair, but my natural hairstylist came up with this style and it worked. My family thought I was going to go back to the relaxer, but I showed them just how versatile and beautiful natural hair can be. My wedding hairstyle is one of my favorites, because it lasted two weeks and I had an amazing twistout afterward.

Stay Naturally Beautiful!

Continuing our Best in Show discussion, let's look at Leave-ins and Stylers!

CN Responds:

1. CURLS Milkshake or KeraCare Natural Textures Leave-in
2. 100% Pure Shea Butter
3. CURLS Curl Souffle
4. Afroveda PUR Whipped Hair Jelly
5. Philip B Anti Frizz Serum
6. For dry sets- CURLS Curl Souffle; For wet sets- KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define

Be it dried or canned black beans are available thought the whole year. Black beans could not be more appropriately named. Commonly called turtle beans, black beans carry a rich flavor that has been compared to mushrooms and a velvety texture. Black beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, like most other legumes. The high fiber content in black beans also prevent blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meals, making beans a great choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. Combined with whole grains, black beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. Fiber and protein are the elements of black beans most people are familiar with but that’s far from all black beans have to offer.

In addition to providing slow burning complex carbohydrates, black beans can help to increase energy by replenishing your iron stores. Although tannins in black beans may block absorption of some of the iron they contain, a single cup of black beans still contains enough iron (about 20%) that still provide benefit. Particularly for menstruating women, who are at more of a risk of iron deficiency, adding to their iron stores with black beans is a good idea. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all of the body’s cells. Iron is also a key enzyme for energy production and metabolism. Black beans also contain manganese which is also an essential co-factor in numerous enzymes that are important for energy production as well as antioxidant defenses. A single cup supplies about 38% of the daily value of manganese.

The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry published research indicating that black beans are as rich in antioxidant compounds as grapes and cranberries. When different types of beans were analyzed, researchers found that the darker the bean’s seed coat, the higher its level of antioxidant activity. Black beans were found to have the most antioxidant activity, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Black beans certainly contribute to your hair health. Black beans provide plenty of protein to promote hair growth as well as iron, zinc and biotin. With its heart healthy, immune boosting, and digestive health nutrients black beans can be a great addition to your hair care diet. Try including black beans with your other favorite toppings the next time you make a baked potato or blend cooked black beans with tomatoes, onions and your favorite spices to create a hearty black bean soup. Or for a quick and simple meal serve whole grain brown rice topped with black beans.


2010 is almost over and many of us have already decided on our resolutions for the new year. It’s a time old tradition to start off the new year with a brand new resolution but most often many of us find our resolutions slipping away as the first few months of the new year pass us by. In making this year’s resolution, especially if it’s health and fitness related, keep in mind that your resolution should be reasonably attainable to help set yourself up for success instead of disappointment. Focus on small intermediate goals that will ultimately lead you down the road to your primary goal. Do not expect to be perfect (and really who is?). If a healthy lifestyle is part of your resolutions this year, then aim for a healthy lifestyle you will feel comfortable with and here’s how:

1. Take small steps. Just establishing a goal of a living a healthy lifestyle should make you feel great about yourself. To make your goal more attainable come up with smaller goals that you know you can meet each day to help keep yourself feeling positive. If the goal is too large, it’s easy to get caught up in them and feel disappointed when the results are not immediate. Instead add a plan of action that will guide you toward your goal. For example if you wish to drop 10 pounds then set yourself the smaller goal of dropping 1-2 pounds a week. Instead of saying “I will exercise more” try “I will go for a walk at lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.” By taking smaller steps you can really feel a sense of accomplishment every day, and if you miss a day, you can get right back in track and avoid feeling like a failure.

2. Change for yourself! I cannot stress this enough. Any goal that you set for yourself should come from a sincere desire to change for yourself. All resolutions should be thought of as positive changes that will help you reach optimal health and well-being. This is an opportunity to look forward to a new year in a positive way and not to punish yourself for past behaviors. DON’T DECIDE TO CHANGE TO PLEASE ANYONE OTHER THAN YOURSELF!

3. Be creative. Try to find a way to exercise while you accomplish other goals. If the weather permits try walking or riding a bike to run errands that are in close proximity to your home or office. If you would like to spend more time with your family try taking family walks or let your children ride their bikes while you walk or jog. If your goal is to read more then try taking that new book with you to the gym and read while you walk on the treadmill.

4. Anticipate roadblocks and reward yourself for success. Make a backup plan for situations you can’t avoid, like bad weather or illness. Also, it’s most important that you do not let a missed day or two throw you completely off target. Just do your best to get back on track as quickly as possible, which won’t be difficult if you have set proper goals. Also reward yourself as it is easier to stick to your plan when you feel good about yourself. Reward yourself for meeting your smaller goals. For example, if you’ve eaten healthy all week, or have been sticking true to your new healthy habits thought the week, it’s ok to reward yourself with a small dessert at the end of the week.

5. Build a support system. Having a great support system is another element of importance when engaging in behavior-changing programs. Get the support of your family, friends and coworkers. If your goal involves quitting a serious addiction such as drinking, smoking or overcoming an eating disorder, get professional help and join a support group. Also remember that you are your best supporter and that you’re trying to improve your own health. Appreciate what you have and treat it a little better than you have in the past. Taking better care of your body will help you feel better and perform better at all that you do.

Whatever resolutions you make this year, keep in mind that a well planned and thought-out resolution can be useful tool to help you live your life the best way possible.

Until next week…

Happy New Year!!!

KinkySheaPT

Hola Chicas,

It's that time again!

Remember that an affirmation can help you replace a negative thought (ex. I'll never find love) with a more helpful positive one (ex. I'm worthy of love, and I will find it in time). By using the power of positive affirmations and by repeating them, you can recondition your brain and change how you feel and think about any situation (your appearance, your hair, a relationship, etc.). You can choose to be happy, no matter the circumstances! It will transform your life.

Share your affirmations here, but remember to revisit and reflect on them everyday-- in the evening before retiring, in the morning before rising, during prayer, meditation, or while exercising! This is one habit you need to develop... as another reader stated, don't just think them, say them aloud! Own it :-)

Hola Chicas,

I'm so excited I just had to share! My grandpa (my mom's father) drove all the way from Pensacola, Florida to meet Baby G. I haven't held my baby in 2 friggin' days.

See all that white hurr (that's my St. Louis style, LOL)?! Grandpa went gray by 29, and my mother by 32. Is gray in my near future? I haven't henna'ed in 6 months and I've got about 10 strands popping through. Not a good look. I probably won't be rocking the family trademark... henna'ing to keep my grays auburn, at least for now :-)

Later Gators,
Nik

Ni-Kiya writes:

Around this time last year, I sent you my big chop video! Now I'm back again with my one year vid ! It's growing quite nicely - even though I wanted to shave it off a couple of times because I love being spontaneous... but I've managed to hold off!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
E: I was a long term transitioner. I travel a lot from Los Angeles to Mississippi and the African-American Hair world in the West and the South is a "Tale of Two Cites." After living in Los Angeles for 5 years, I noticed that hardly any Black women were perming their hair! And even though they weren't perming and relaxing, that still didn't keep them out the beauty salon every 2 weeks. West coast women were addicted to getting their hair pressed and flat ironed. While I did notice their hair to be in better condition then women in the South, I decided to hop on the "No-Lye" train. So, I was pressing this mane of mine and wearing weaves throughout the year. Well, it wasn't until September 2010, after I had taken a 3 month old weave down, that I made the decision to go natural. My "anticipated" BC date was December 1st, 2010.



When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I BC'd, Saturday December 4th, 2010, HOWEVER, I had to basically start all over 17 days later. Initially, I cut it myself and it was so uneven and unshaped that I had to get it re-cut... so.....Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 is where I start my actual hair journey. My reaction (the first time) was....um....didn't really have one. I cut it, went to sleep, woke up feeling light as a feather. Now, the second time...I was mad, pissed, but satisfied. My aunt cut it the second time, and she cut more then she had to so...(but low key, I think she purposely put some bald spots in my head).

How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
This is an easy one...EVERYONE HATED IT! But the funny part was, EVERYONE knew that I could give two cents who liked it or who hated it. My best friend in college told me I was ugly. She was about to cry... that's how much she hated it! My mom is supportive and everything is always "whatever" with her so her crazy self BC'd the night after me then had braids put in the next morning. My ex told me I look like someone from "Good Times", my cousin told me I'm 'trying to be a white girl' by washing my hair everyday. OH, and everybody tells me I need a line/edge! I keep reminding them that its not a style! So, all in all, everyone HATES IT!


What was your transition routine?
Half Weaves (bangs out). I always used heat protectant when I flat ironed my hair. But I don't recommend half weaves when transitioning. That hair that has been flat ironed/pressed will be a different texture than the natural hair that hasn't been exposed to heat. Try to transition with full head weaves, braids, wigs, etc.

How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
No gel! I used Vonte Silk Effects. Most Beauticians on the West Coast use this on edges. It's some pretty good stuff. No flaking, No drying, but don't hold all day either.

Why did you choose to go natural?
I had one main reason for going natural. "Long Term Business Move." When I was in the entertainment industry a few years back, I would always get compared to a certain well known actress. It wasn't a bad thing but it wasn't helpful either. And although, I never tried to look like this certain actress, I did strongly resemble her, so I decided that before I enter back into the industry, I've got to create my own identity and that's what I've done. I BC'd December 21st and I love it, love it, love it! Can't wait til it grows out...OH, and since the BC, I haven't heard one person say "Oh my Gosh...you look just like....." I love it! :)

-Find me at:
www.ericamsingleton.com (not a blog, my actors website) or follow me at naturallyerica on youtube

Continuing our Best in Show from yesterday, let's look at Instant and Deep Conditioners!

Please excuse the term, but this is how I used to talk. What is "good" hair anyway? When I was a little girl, good hair was silky, wavy, and definitively curly. I clearly remember wishing my hair was silky and straight like all the women on my mom's side of the family. My hair was big and bushy and too knotty to wear "out" like my cousins, so I always had to wear braids and twists. No hair blowing in the wind, no hair to whip around like the white girls in dance class, and no cascading curls to dangle from my ponytail. I longed for straight, flowy hair that didn't have to be braided or greased. Eventually, I discovered that there is this magic in a box called a relaxer that could make my hair hang and shine. I even thought that a relaxer would allow me to have "wash and go" hair. Like I said, I thought it was magic in a box. I harassed my mom until she finally gave in and let me get one.

That was the first paragraph from the very first post I wrote for The Write Curl Diary - My Hair Story. I like to go back and read my old blog entries, journals, and reflections because I always learn something from myself. I remember how pressed I was for straight hair. I'm sure that I even shed tears about it. And finally I got that straight hair that I wanted - or so I thought.

Even when my hair was relaxed, it would get fuzzy and poofy very easily. It was like a wild animal that had been tamed, but was easily triggered to revert back to its natural ways. Looking back, I have trouble connecting with that girl who was so pressed to change such a natural, distinctive attribute. It makes me think about areas of my life now that I so desperately want to change. Do I want to change these things for my own self-development? to impress or please someone other than myself? to fit in?

Back then, I defined a certain grade of hair as "good". When my hair didn't fit that mold, I rejected its natural texture and insisted on altering it. These days, I regard certain character traits as "good" and too often I assess myself as lacking these "good" traits. What I can learn from this part of my hair story is that we each define our own "good" by simply being as true to ourselves as possible. We should not distress ourselves by trying to change what flows from us naturally. Why should we deny ourselves? Everything that flows from us organically will bring about enriching experiences that reinforce our identity and that, my friends, is universally good.

• It's always Gia, Gia, Gia! No one cares about poor ole Nikki. When we first arrived in St. Louis it took my dad four hours to realize that he had forgotten to greet me... his first born and 'punkin'. So I told him, momma, and Sylvia not to expect a thing for Christmas, as Gia is the greatest gift of all, LOL!
  

• Dishes and laundry need to be done all. of. the. time. Period. No more 'once a week' laundry sessions- especially with Gia blowing through diapers. Yellow poop stains EVERYTHING.
  

• Breastfeeding/pumping is no joke. I have a cold and I can't take a damn thing. Almost everything in the medicine cabinet will either dry up my milk or make G sleepy. I gave the Neti Pot a whirl after recommendations from my mother's doctor. I've never been water-boarded, but I imagine they're similar. I suppose it's effective... if you can get past the sensation of drowning. I've donned my big girl panties and I'm sticking this cold out like a grown arse woman.
  

• It matters not if I wrap G in a pink blanket, stick her in a pink flowered onesie, or even write “GIRL” on her forehead with a Magic Marker — strangers still come up and say, “He is so cute.”
  

• Clubbing is not the same *tear*. Last weekend I went out and let loose... I'm talking all. the. way. live. I felt like a college student again with the pre-partying, tequila shots, and forgotten moments. But things have changed- life is not the same. First, the planning to get out the house- pumping and storing, acquiring a babysitter, writing down the Diva's routine- really took away from the whimsicality of the evening. Second, the morning after, hangover and all, life went on. I'z a momma now, and baby needed to eat, be changed, and be entertained, despite my raging headache and overall lethargy.
  

• I've decided to teach G Baby sign language even though most of the old heads in my fam thinks it's the silliest thing they've ever heard of.
  

• After a 4 week hiatus from hair care, I took the plunge and washed, conditioned, and detangled my mop. I lost an obscene amount of hair. I'm talking 'lay down in the fetal position and cry' amounts. I sucked it up and allowed my hair to dry in a bun. I brushed it out today and twisted up for a dry set tomorrow-
  

Later Gators!
Gia's Mom

Nicole writes:

I was featured on Tales of a Current Transitioner and I just wanted to update you and the the fellow CN family on my progress since the Big Chop on 10/23/10. Check it out:

Bianca writes:

Hey Nikki!

My husband and I got married in Jamaica on June 4th. I had just big chopped 3 months earlier and had no idea how I would wear my hair. I knew there was no way I could wear it straight with the humidity, and all too likely showers that time of year. I also never envisioned having short hair on my wedding day and neither did my concerned mom. After way too many, "What are you going to do with your hair?" questions, I decided to get on the hunt for some hair. GASP! Yes, a weave! I still wanted to look like myself just a longer haired me, so after searching high and low I found a kinky curly texture that I fell in love with. I spent the first few days of my wedding vacation with my real hair; this was the first time most of my family had seen my new look. I got tons of compliments, but I knew I wanted to look different on my actual day. So on the morning of the wedding I had the weave put in. I loved how carefree I was able to be on my wedding day. I didn’t have to worry about sweating my hair out. I also didn’t have to compromise the vision I had in my head for the way I wanted to look on my special day. I received opinions from so many people solicited and unsolicited, but in the end I went with my own opinion and I wouldn’t change a thing! :-)

Hey Nik,

I just wanted to update you and the CN family about my YouTube channel- it's up and running again! I will upload new videos starting February 15, 2010- My two BC anniversary. I have been so busy, and now, things are beginning to fall into place. I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and support! You guys are awesome! Anyway, here is a preview for my new channel, enjoy!

Jess

It's the last week of the year, and I thought it'd be fun to have a fake awards show of sorts. Starting today, and running through the new year, we will discuss what we deem as the number 1 products from 2010.

Let's start with cleansers:

The problem lies in the fact that most of us live with our parents, and thus we are subjected to their rules. As young women, we are often at the mercy of our parents who will not indulge us in our hair escapades-- they try to limit our bathroom time, they refuse to, or are reluctant to invest in natural products, and they may insult the styles we wear. So how do we cope with parents who refuse to just give it up!?

Here are a few tips that you can try:

• Never waiver! The moment you show your parents that you’re second guessing your decision they will spot that loophole and use it against you. Stay strong.

• Become a human mirror. You know the old adage; sticks and stones? When people say hurtful things, learn to deflect them. Their comments do not define you or the beauty of your hair... you do! When people tell me things, I keep it moving, and add a swing to my step to show them that their comments meant nothing to me. They are trying to solicit a response from you and if you do not give them one, they will eventually get bored and stop.

• Try to show your family the beauty of natural hair. Whenever I mentioned going natural, the first thing people asked me was if I planned to wear an afro, and if not, then what? Sadly, people are ignorant about the versatility of natural hair. So experiment, try new things,- wear it up, down and out, and show them that straight hair is not the only type of hair that can be beautiful.

• Be aware of your hair and its propriety for an occasion. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE BIG HAIR, but not everyone does, case in point, your parents. Remember, you are still trying to gain their approval, so until then, try to compromise with them when it comes to your hairstyles and formal outings. My compromise is wearing loose styles for church. My aunt does not like to see my hair in twists, as she does not deem them appropriate for church. I noticed that once I made the compromise, the little squabbles over my hair dissipated. You could try to do the same.

• Try talking to your parents. As young adults, it is normal for us to be anti-authoritarians, but remember that this is one battle you cannot afford to lose. Talking to your parents can work for two reasons; they will realize that you are serious about your decision and that it is not just some fashion trend that you will grow old of, and they may be better able to understand your decision, as them lashing out may be the result of their confusion.
  

So there you have it ladies. Try implementing a few of these suggestions and see what happens. Remember that although the comments of your parents may be hurtful, they do still love you, and chances are they will come around. However, if they don’t, you are still beautiful and you do not need your parents to tell you that.

The single biggest driver in human evolution was the challenge of matching the demands and capacities of our out-sized brain against the relative limitations of a weak physique. When researching the ‘whims of mother nature’, nothing is arbitrary. Sure, there are variances and distributions, but you can be sure that somewhere in the mix resides an objective mean – defining form and substance with a purpose.

Hair, like skin, is part of our genetically malleable, adaptable, outer layer, protecting us from the elements, the heat, cold, wetness, dryness, and utilizing the visible and not-so-visible light (energy) spectrum. Early primates and proto-humans had straight hair, which was an asset in low exertion foraging environs of ranging temperature, but not conducive to extending our physical endurance in the competition for food and survival, especially in mid-day Africa. Tightly coiled, moisture resistant head-hair created an enhanced barrier to ultra-violet (UV) radiation by turning many times on itself. This configuration also allows the release of perspiration droplets into a more optimal evaporative state whereby the droplets capture the heat of air moving around the coils before the perspiration rolls off and evaporates said heat away from the body. Presto! Cool scalp, cool brain, and greater endurance.

Conversely, straight hair was a liability, as it is more moisture absorbent, becoming heavy and causing it to stick to adjacent hair shafts and the scalp, effectively blocking the airflow required for heat exchange and dissipation. The straight hair of those precursors to modern humans would have made them less able to exert themselves for survival and advancement.

So with all due respect to Chris Rock, there is no such thing as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ hair. Curly, kinky, or nappy hair adaptation meant survival and prosperity as a species, in the birthplace of humanity. Moreover, just as coiled hair and pigmented skin conveyed advantage in Africa, straight hair, and light skin adaptation did the same moving north, in logical ways and for discernible reasons (more on this later). And for the record, Don Imus is a true moron.

ShamiGreen writes:


If you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking about your holiday hair plans. In light of CurlyNikki’s STUPENDOUS 4 week curls, I’m dying to know: do you wash your hair as needed? Or do you have a hair wash schedule? I generally wash my hair when it looks or feels dirty; which tends to be every 10-14 days. Following my regular routine would put hair washing day somewhere between December 23-27, but I hate the idea of subjecting my family to my 4 hour hair session this weekend, considering that I’ll be sharing a bathroom. I doubt I’ll be able to stretch my current set for another 5 days, so I’ll be washing, conditioning & restyling my NON-DIRTY hair.

When I originally started my natural journey back in March of this year, I had no idea how much I would learn about my hair. I've never been one of those girls who was good at sticking to a regimen, so I never even tried. I became a product junkie, buying every good product I researched, and just did my hair from day to day. Through much trial and error (and wasted time, hair, and money), I learned that my hair taught me what it needed, wanted, and very much created its own regimen!

What has my hair told me it likes?

* Shampoo once a week, co-wash at least twice a week and more frequently in the summer.

* Loves Henna!!! So now I Henna once a month.

* Deep condition - Basically whenever I wash, I DC, so I never NEED to, I just do.

* Finger detangle! - My hair has taught me if I keep a comb away, my hair will stay! =D I finger detangle my hair wet with lots of conditioner. Even with dry detangling I use my fingers so I can feel the tangles and separate them, instead of ripping through them. I use a comb sometimes, but very seldom.

* Shea butter - My hair loves Shea butter, especially when it is in an Afro or going to be twisted, it keeps my hair highly moisturized, soft, and sets twist-outs beautifully.

* Trim away Single Strand knots - I learned that I only get SSK's on my tighter, coarser textures, so I check them often for SSK's and snip! Snip! SNIP!

* Protective Styling -My hair loves to be twisted! Flat twists are my fave right now until my hair grows a little more and I can wear more 2 strand twist styles.

* Where's my Satin bonnet?! - Don't forget to protect your hair as you sleep, or even under hats.

I guess that's the reggie my hair created for itself in a nutshell!


When growing out your TWA, you will need a low manipulation, high care regimen in order to grow your hair to its fullest potential. Pay attention to what you use and how your hair responds to it, this will help you to learn what your hair likes and what kinds of products it likes as well. Remember that the ends are the oldest parts of your hair, so pay special attention to keeping your ends healthy, that way you retain all or most of your length; Breakage and needing to trim often will greatly slow your growing process. Make sure your hair stays moisturized and if you are protective styling, make sure it is a style that won't cause any damage to your hair/hairline.
If you are a new natural, take some time to play with your hair and learn what it likes and needs, as all hair is different. Start with something easy like conditioner and learn how to make your curls pop!

Don't expect something that works for everyone to work for you, it may not, but you will find something that will :) Remember that just because your hair is short now, this little TWA will be your ends once your hair grows out so don't go crazy dying, frying or not taking care of your hair just because it's a TWA, trust me, you'll pay for it later (obviously speaking from experience =x).

Good luck listening to it and creating your own TWA reggie!

I've reached my one year and 6 months anniversary December 21, 2010 and I'm so excited.

My Current Regimen: I hot oil* and shampoo my hair once a week. I deep condition (DC) twice a week. Every time I either wash or DC, I make sure to put my hair in either twists or plaits as a protective style. I rarely do twist-outs or braid-outs because my twists and braids are always mini so they look more like a style than a protective style.

My Nightly Routine: Because of the dry winter months, my hair requires a lot of moisture so either I moisturize it with my homemade water based leave-in**. Or I rinse it at nights. Either case, I follow it with either my Shea Butter mixture*** or my jojoba oil. The one I use, depends on the state of my hair. The Shea Butter mixture is for when my hair feels dry, and the Jojoba oil is for when my hair is at a perfect moisture balance. And of course I sleep with my bonnet on, lol.

Current Products: Shampoo: Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo, Conditioner: Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner, Detangler: flaxseed gel, hot oil* treatment or Afro Detangler, Leave-in: I haven't found a store bought leave-in conditioner that I like, so I use my homemade leave-in mixture, Styling products: Shea butter mixture and flax-seed gel, Sealant: Jojoba oil, shea butter mixture, Scalp Oil: Jojoba oil.

*Hot oil treatment: coconut oil + aloe vera juice + EVOO.
**Homemade leave-in: Water +aloe vera juice+ jojoba oil
*** Shea butter mixture; Shea butter + coconut oil + aloe vera juice + vitamin E + jojoba oil