I’ve been rocking what I’ve designated the ‘Twist-n-Curl’ (or T-n-C) for several months now. Not only is it a cute style, it has helped me to retain length as well. I love this style so much that I chose to wear a T-n-C on my wedding day!
Routine as of April 2008:
Every other day, or every three days, I do the following (usually Sunday night, Tuesday night, Thursday night):
- Wash with Giovanni 50/50 Clarifying-Hydraing Shampoo once a week prior to styling. Prior to every other styling session I co-wash (wash using a light cone-free conditioner instead of shampoo) with Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration.
- Detangle and condition in the shower after shampooing. I load my hair up with Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration, add a little water to help the slip and allow it to marinate while I wash my body. Then, I detangle with my fingers under the shower stream. I then re-apply the HE conditioner and lightly detangle with my new fav- the Jilbere Shower Comb (2 bucks at Sally’s!!! No seams-won’t snag hair)
- Deep Condition- After detangling, wring hair a little to get rid of the drippies, and get out of the shower. I then apply Pantene Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask, or Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner and put on a plastic cap, heated cap and leave in for an hour. Finally, I get back in the shower, rinse and wring dry a little. I like for my hair to wet, but not dripping.
- Style-Divide hair into two. Then add Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treament, and Devacare One Condition to the two sections and rake through with my fingers. I then two strand twist my hair (about 15 or 20) applying unrefined shea butter as I go. I set the last few inches of my hair on 3/4″ plastic rollers. This routine keeps my ends from curling up on themselves, splitting and breaking. Many people with fine hair, find it beneficial to stretch the ends a bit. This routine is heavy on moisture and light on heat, and I honestly feel that this routine and moisturizing products have contributed to length retention.
-On nights that I don’t style, I simply don a satin night cap (I know, very sexy!) and go to sleep. In the morning, I fluff and add a little shea butter or DevaCurl Set it Free to the frizzy places.
-Although the style would last upwards of 5 days, I re-style after 2 or 3 to keep my hair as hydrated as possible. My color treated ends get very unhappy, very easily.
For info on my products of choice, see the Products I’m Currently Using post.
I used Hello Hydration and I really liked it until is started to make my hair crunchy. My hair hates ‘cones and Hello Hydration has Dimethicone which is not water soluble and is a big no no for a no poo-er like me.
I think I will try this over the weekend (I finally took down my twists). I will let you know how it turns out!
This is awesome information CurlyNikki. Thanks for sharing, ’cause I so needed help with my natural fine hair.
CN – do you deep condition EVERY time you wash your hair? i have two young kids and simply do not have the time!!
Awesome site, Niki. I really dislike taking pills and taking 3 now is enough for me. I had been searching to learn about effect the overall health of the hair: Is the affect of what goes on with your hair start from inside, then out; what foods are needed for the results of healthy hair and what vitamins do they contain; what is the time interval to start seeing the results and lastly what are the ingredients needed for hair products to maintain healthy hair. If you don't mind I'd like to share with you 1 article out of many that contain pretty much of the such basis on healthy Black hair that read.
How to Get Healthy Hair
LTK: What environmental or chemical factors effect the overall health of the hair?
LL: Hair reflects both our inner and outer worlds. What we take in such as our diet, vitamins, supplements– all affect the health of the hair. Eating a diet rich in protein makes for healthy, shiny hair. Biotin and silica are very good supplements for the hair. The chemicals we put on hair such as color, products, gels, sprays, mousse, straightening solutions — all affect the integrity of the hair. Hair color containing ammonia, hair products containing alcohol, straightening systems all damage and weaken the cuticle of the hair.
LTK: Are there any significant differences in the healthy hair needs of Caucasian or African American hair?
LL: Yes, African American hair is more coarse and tends to be more dry. It needs to be washed less often and requires a lot of conditioner. I often will leave conditioner in the hair without washing it out, which brings out the natural curl of the hair as well. With curly African American hair, the conditioner can act as a styling product wrapping and twisting the conditioner along the curl of the hair.
LTK: What hair products can maintain the integrity and overall natural health of the hair?
LL: Healthy hair contains moisture, therefore hair products which replenish and seal in moisture are very good for the hair. For example, glycine nourishes the inside of the hair; proteins repair the cuticle layer. Oils such as wheatgerm and keratin provide the hair with a protective coating. Hair products such as the Wella SP line, Phyto, and Renee Futier all have ingredients which promote healthy hair.
LTK: When clients receive color and straightening services, including extensions, it’s expected that some damage will occur. What tips can your provide to keep hair its healthiest while being chemically or color treated?
LL: It is very helpful to immediately replace the moisture which is lost with chemical services. I offer a protein mask or conditioning gloss after coloring the hair which locks in the color so it lasts longer and also replenishes the moisture necessary for healthy hair. Color protect shampoos & conditioners which contain vitamin B5 are very helpful. With respect to extensions, one needs to take care of their extensions with the directions we provide
Autumn, I sure can 🙂 I just promised Libra08 on nc.com the same thing! I’m henna’ing tonight, but I have plans to do it tomorrow. Thanks for reading and keep checking back!!
~curlynikki~
Can you do a tutorial on how you do the twist n curl with pics? It looks really pretty! What do the rollers look like? How do you roll it, under or sideways like a shirley temple curl?
I’m glad you posted this! I see you on NC.com, and I’ve wondered how you use each product. This is helpful! I’ve been looking for a good detangling conditioner, I will have to try the HE!
Hi and thanks!!! The new HE formulation (the one without the c-cone) only has one or two water soluble cones. You don’t need shampoo with this one 😀
hth!!!
Your hair is gorgeous and I can’t wait to try this routine thanks for sharing…btw I wanted to point out that Herbal Essence conditioner does have cones but I love this conditioner too, its my guilty pleasure =)