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Curly Nikki

2011 Summer Regimen- Natural Hair Routine

By January 27th, 202128 Comments

2011 Summer Regimen- Natural Hair Routine
Long overdue? Sorry. But I’ve been super busy, super tired, and also wanted to make sure I genuinely liked the routine before posting! In sum, I ‘do’ my hair once a month, bi-weekly at most. I’m in twists 90% of the time, and add rollers to the ends to rock a (dry set) Twist-n-Curl every now and again. My hair is almost never out. Moisturizing and daily oiling are key components of my regimen. I must say, I’m pretty happy. I originally arrived here because I love the volume and chunkiness of a dry twist-out… my laziness to re-style resulted in long stints in twists. It’s been an amazing time saver now that ‘momming’ is my top priority, and I like that it’s totally functional, allowing me to ‘get cute’ at will. So here goes;

Every third Saturday of the month, I remove my twists, and-

  • Apply a deep conditioner and/or oil to my dry hair, apply plastic cap and heat cap for 15 mins.
  • Hop in the shower and rinse thoroughly.
  • Thoroughly saturate hair with water in the shower, and divide into two (left and right).
  • Cleanse hair with shampoo– one side at a time.
  • Apply a slippery conditioner to both sides in a smooshing motion (usually Aussie).
  • Pass my head back under the shower stream for a second, for better distribution and added slip.
  • Clip the hair up and out of the way while I complete shower rituals.
  • Take down the right side and finger detangle a bit — detangling the rest under the water stream with Ouidad Double Detangler after the big knots are out. Follow up with the left side. If the conditioner is washed away and tangles are left, I add more conditioner, and repeat. The power of the water stream and the slip of the conditioner should make detangling a breeze! *Since my hair was previously detangled and in twists, this step takes no where near as long as it used to!*
  • Hop out of the shower and allow hair to dry for 15-30 minutes… blot with microfiber towel. Apply a leave-in moisturizer and oil.
  • Stretch the hair. Depending on time and mood, I will either (1) make 8-10 chunky twists or braids- 4 or 5 on each side, (2) roller-set, or (3) blow dry hair in sections on warm, concentrating on the roots, and skipping the ends. **This step is to stretch the hair for the ‘real’ style**. You could also pull the hair into a bun, do cornrows, or band. I like to roller-set… and it’s usually a piss poor set because I’m rushing.
  • Allow to set until dry. If you blew it out (and didn’t wet set to stretch), proceed to the next step!
  • Take down the twists (or braids or rollers) and finger detangle if necessary. Divide hair into two. I now prepare to twist my dry hair.
  • I do 10-11 twists total, 5 on each side (two in the back, one above my ear, one framing my face, and one immediately behind that one), and one at the crown.
  • Start with the back- left side. Finger detangle to smooth, apply a pea sized amount of your chosen moisturizer, and twist. Move on to the next one. I’ve learned that using a water based product gets the job done just fine… for me, adding water results in frizzier twists and a frizzier set.
  • Complete all twists in the same manner– adding your moisturizer of choice along the way.
  • Once all the twists are complete and slightly damp (from the moisturizer), I tie on a satin scarf, leaving the twists dangling, but the crown secure to control the frizzies. I then tie on my satin bonnet.

2011 Summer Regimen- Natural Hair Routine

  • 2011 Summer Regimen- Natural Hair RoutineI leave my hair in twists 90% of the time, rocking them under my summer hats, or pulled back. Nothing fancy.


To maintain the twists-

  • Re-moisturize at least twice a week, re-twisting frizzy twists whenever necessary
  • Oil EVERY.SINGLE. DAY. It keeps my hair soft and pliable.
  • Heated moisture/oil treatment at least once a week


For when I wanna get ‘cute’ (once a week usually)-

2011 Summer Regimen- Natural Hair Routine

  • Add moisturizer to the ends, and roll the last few inches of each twist on a skinny flexi rod.
  • Allow to fully dry
  • Remove the rollers, and release the twists
  • Apply a pea sized amount of Aveda Anti- Humectant Pomade
  • Fluff and go!
  • Later that evening or the next day, I re-twist using the steps above


PRODUCTS:

Shampoos I’m using-

-CURLS Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream
-KeraCare Natural Textures Cleansing Cream
-Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo***

Deep Conditioners I’m using-

-Jessicurl TooShea
-Curl Junkie Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment

Leave-in I’m using-

Salerm 21

Moisturizers I’m Using-

Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee***
CURLS Curl Souffle

Oils I’m Using

Treasured Lock’s African Argan Oil Elixir (unscented… I like that it’s non-oily, but has more of a serum consistency which helps with frizz, hold, and truly locks in moisture. I’m talking seriously SMOOTH and soft hair.)
Burts Bees Nourishing Baby Oil (full of porosity reducing ceramides)

Serums/Anti-Humectants I’m Using

Sabino Lok and Blok
Aveda Anti-Humectant Pomade***

Tools I’m Using-

Ouidad Double Detangler (in the shower)
Fingers ONLY, throughout the month
Flexi-rods for dry Twist-n-Curl (I use the smallest size… turquoise… $2 for 6 at local BSS)
Jumbo Magnetic rollers (if I roller-set to stretch)
Andis Blow Dryer (if I blow-out to stretch)

Heat Cap

I own the ‘micro heat cap‘ which has been discontinued in most places. But a very similar product can be purchased HERE… I now have one and like it better than the old one!

***absolute favorites!

NOTES:

-A note on stretching- Remember, the blow dryer is our frenemy and should be used minimally… once a month at the most. The look of a twist-out on blown out hair is unmatched… very Joan Clayton. BUT, I would reserve it for special occasions. If you don’t have time to do a wet set (rollers or twists) to stretch your hair in preparation for your dry set, you can blow dry your hair on warm, concentrating on the roots, and skipping the ends. Remember to use a heat protectant, Sabino is a great one!

-I believe this routine works for me because (1) I no longer workout (scold me later!), and (2) I don’t have a true 9-5… my chunky (and in my case, scalpy, lol) twists are worn around town, in the house, and to my appointments with clients that I’ve worked with for years. If I had to be ‘in public’ more, I’d feel the need to change up my look.

– I’ve learned that applying the wet product to my loose, dry hair, can sometimes cause tangles and matting, but applying it to the twists prevents the drama. Thus, I often apply the moisturizer AFTER I twist.

-If you noticed, I apply my deep conditioner and leave-in to damp (not wet) hair that has been gently blotted. This prevents the excess water from diluting the effects of the conditioner.

-If I’m feeling fancy, the night before my monthly washing, I’ll henna. I missed last month, but have plans for a June henna session!

28 Comments

  • Anonymous says:

    I actually tried the Aveda Defining Whip…I loved it…my hair was defined and it helded with my hair retention…check out my blog http://chaneltheenatural.wordpress.com

  • Anonymous says:

    No need to apologize hon that's what curl-friends are for honey, try deep breathing to help with the stress! HUGS

  • Anonymous says:

    Mrs.Roots…

    Stress not really. I got a boyfriend, laid off unexpectedly,lost my car, but got a new job & car,less pay increased car trouble, weight up & down,on top of regular bills & school….as I list these things maybe it is stress. Maybe I just didnt want to admit it. My hair does fall out when im stressed ive experienced it before. I have switch products trying to find a regimen thats good. I do watch what I put in my hair. no tight styles. Not much swimming. It did help. Maybe more theraputic than anything. *tears* thanks. Sorry ladies to poor out like that.

  • Mrs. Roots says:

    To the person who said they have been having major breakage, it's hard to know why without knowing more about you. Have you been under a lot of stress? Did a major life event just occur? Are you on any medications? What about your products? Did you recently switch products? Maybe your hair is having a reaction to a specific ingredient or a combination of them. Do you wear satin bonnets on your head too tightly? Do you wear a lot of tight protective styles? Do you swim? If so apply olive oil and conditioner to your hair before you hit the pool. Hope this helps.

  • Anonymous says:

    Follow up to the last post, I do work out 5-6 times per week so the sweat and all the heat cause major break outs. Do you find that?

  • Anonymous says:

    In the summer with all the products, does your skin break out? I have noticed when I use more oil and don't wash for few days…major break outs. My derm told me to wash my hair 2-3 per week and do not use oils. Do you have issues with break outs and too much product? Your hair looks great.

  • Anonymous says:

    Great it's working for you – but jumping in & out of the shower is a little much. I'll cut my hair short before doing that, it's not that serious! Good you added the caveat about you not working since it is not a realistic routine for professional women – I need polished hairstyles for work & twists do not fit the bill. Also, with hot humid summer days & working out, I HAVE to wash my hair weekly or 2x weekly! I don't want to be one of 'those' women, relaxed or natural, that have sweat & product odor emanating from their hair since they do not wash the hair, Yuck! Only thing I got out of this is the product list – I've been eyeing the Elucence shampoo/conditioner.

  • Anonymous says:

    I purchase Joico K-Pak at Ulta.

    I don't bother with any other products in the Joico line. My 4c isn't too crazy about them.

    The shampoos have sulfates, and the conditioners have 'cones. Me no likey. But the reconstruct is the bomb.com for my hair.

    HTH

    http://www.amazon.com/Joico-K-Pak-Deep-Penetrating-Reconstructor/product-reviews/B000J1ADGQ/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

  • Anonymous says:

    @Anon 6/18 1:53& 6/19 3:47

    Thanks for the advice!! I will try to leave the denman alone. Also, I will look around for the Joico reconstruct. I do try and finger detangle but when I do I see alot of hair on my hands too. My hair is super thick so it isnt as if Im missing the hair.I am just concerned about the amount and the cause so I can resolve the issue before it gets worse.

  • CURLYNIKKI says:

    @anon, I only wash once or twice a month… no co-washing in between.

    @Candace, my ends have recovered! That TT did a number on me, but I trimmed off quite a bit and now only use my fingers or the ouidad double detangler. happy ends!

    @Shelli, when I say I don't work out, I mean my 3 mile walks have stopped. I still walk once or twice a week… more for pleasure, usually an hour each walk. I barely break a sweat. But I notice that my twists stay nice if I keep a scarf around the crown.

  • Candace4life says:

    Well that's a very detailed hair routine and it's definitely working for you. Your hair looks great. Oh just curious how are your ends doing now since you've stopped using Tangle Tweezer?

    ********************************************
    Here's a new video of Naptural85 called "Lazy Day Wash and Go" and wow does her hair looks really good.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szp1DdV0Rm8&feature=channel_video_title

  • Anonymous says:

    does it mean you only wash your hair on the third saturday of the month or do you cowash between ?

  • Anonymous says:

    To Anonymous 1:38:

    Like the other writer said, ditch the denman! I "modified" my Denman and put it back into rotation after I broke up with my tangle teezer. I was seeing too many mid-strand splits on my 4c coils, and I believe I was relying too heavily on it to properly detangle.

    Anywhoo, as for the breakage – I recommend "Joico K-pak Reconstruct", to rescue. It's my HG when I've been sloppy with handling my hair. It works for me!

    HTH

  • Anonymous says:

    thanks for sharing curlynikki!

    guys, this is curlynikki's routine which she posted because people asked her to. she's not telling you to use her products or follow her routine, this is simply what works best for her.

  • Anonymous says:

    Beth, I use the sink method too as I just don't feel like getting back in the shower and I have BSL hair. So, it can work. I keep my hair in four twists and rinse from side to side, never upside down, until the water runs clear.

    Nik, okay, I'm happy to know that the reason you can get a month out of one wash day is because you haven't been exercising (but, you know … that's not following the GOC rules;-). I tried going two weeks one time, but I'm working out 5-6 days a week and 2 of them are hot yoga, and my hair was an icky mess. So, I wash once a week now. I did skip a week working out and was easily able to go two weeks without washing, so I see that can make a major difference. Fortunately, I can get a week out of a wash with exercising regularly as I don't have scalp issues. I know some people can't do that because their scalps will itch or flake horribly. Anywho, love the regimen and I have kind of been doing that in a modified way (twists with kimmaytube leave-in, letting them dry and then dry twisting with a styler). My hair hold moisture well though, so seems I only need to re-moisturize and seal about once a week. Wow, this turned into a ramble.

    Happy First Father's Day to your husband!

    Shelli

  • Beth says:

    Have you ever done some of the washing/rinsing outside of the shower? I'll often wash my hair in a sink or even under a a bathtub faucet, but in my DC, hang out, and rinse out the conditioner in the shower. Or, sometimes I'll wash my hair in the shower, put in my DC, and hang out for a while before rinsing out the DC in a sink or a tub faucet.

    Since I have dry skin, it's better for me to shower once and get on my skin moisturizer than to go in and out like you do. I also think I use a lot less water that way.

    Of course–my hair is shorter than yours, so who knows if the sink method will continue to work once it is longer!

  • keisha says:

    Nik would love to see some of those cute summer hats! 🙂 Love me some hats! Just bought a fedora today!

  • CURLYNIKKI says:

    @anon, yep, back when I was washing and going, applying products to soaking wet hair was essential for curl/wave definition. BUT, my hair never stayed moisturized past day one. I've found that applying my hair to damp (not wet) hair keeps me moisturized for at least 2 days, sometimes 3. My hair feels softer and stronger.

    @anon, re:products– I like the Qhemet and CURLS for my dry set. I get a little hold, shine, no flakes, and lots of volume. My sister recently used Shea Moisture's Smoothie with great results also.

  • Natural-E says:

    Interview with Audrey Sivasothy, author of The Science of Black Hair at: http://salonnaturelles.blogspot.com/
    -Evelyn

  • Anonymous says:

    Nikki you mentioned that after washing your hair you air dry for about a half hour, then apply your leave ins and moisturizers. Is that so the products can adhere better to your hair, and not just the water when it's still wet?

  • Anonymous says:

    also i would like to henna any body know of any hair salons in Columbus GA that do it

  • Anonymous says:

    i have a question ..how do u keep twist fresh after working out and also what products can u use to after u dry ur hair for a dry twist out and still have hold to ur twist ?

  • Anonymous says:

    Anonymous 1:38,
    Maybe you may want to ditch the Denman brush. You probably don't need it. Just use your fingers to smooth and detangle for a while and see if that helps. I had the same issue, and I stopped using combs and brushes for about nine months. Now I am using the tangle teezer only when my hair is wet and slippery with conditioner, and that is helping a LOT!! Good luck! 🙂

  • Anonymous says:

    Wow! We are polar opposites in the products that we use. It's really cool to see that you are doing all that you can to take care of your hair. It inspires me to do the same instead of sitting here wishing my hair were more "like this or like that". The weather here is still sort of cool, windy and sometimes rainy, so I have to add thicker products to my hair. It just stands up and laughs at that Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree stuff. LOL I use the Shea Moisture line to get my stuff moisturized. I also use the ol' castor oil as well. My shoulder-length 4a medium-fine strands love it; and, I find that I tend to keep more of the hair on my head by flat twisting and leaving it that way for a week. My hair is never out either. My flat twists get me thorough the physical training sessions outdoors,working on the equipment outside, doing the single mommy thing, and everything else. That's what's UP!!! I am in the military, so I don't really care about dolling up for work. I throw on a black head band and neutral makeup and I am out the door.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a quserion for anybody who can help. I am having major breakage and I DO NOT know why. Its definitely not shedding. I saw a short piece of hair(a few) in the midst of some longer pieces as I was doing a braidout. I dont know why it is breaking off.I try not to be rough and I use wide tooth combs and a denman brush, I start from bottom to top. I cowash with Aussie. I use shea butter, olive oil coconut oil, & rosemary oil. I really dont understand. PLEASE HELP!! 🙁

  • Anonymous says:

    thanks Nikki! Great details and I'm using many of the same products!

  • aubin says:

    I love your hair Nikki. It looks great!!! We must be psychic hair twins, lol!! I started this same exact regimen two weeks ago and I am loving it! My hair stays perfectly moisturized and I've cut down my styling time considerably. I tend to rock my twists in updos though, usually a french twist. The updos are perfect for more formal or corporate settings; I wear my hear this way to my job teaching at a university. And I find that this style works okay for the workouts too if I wear a headband or scarf during the workout to keep the roots from getting frizzy.

  • CURLYNIKKI says:

    I'd like to add that I've had the best summer hair of my life! My sets don't revert (maybe from all the moisture I'm infusing all month long), and my hair feels so soft and happy! Also, I have a TON of new hairs coming in… those I lost in the Great Shed post Gia. STOKED!

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