Fall 2011 Natural Hair Regimen and Products

My fall routine is pretty much identical to the summer one. Only I’m retiring the magnetic rollers ’cause I ain’t got the patience, the blow fryer ’cause my ends ain’t got the strength, and the tools ’cause I ain’t got the bulk to lose. The theme for this season… Functional Protection. Mainly because of time, but also because occasionally you just need a break from your hair. I’m there… we need some time apart!

Here’s a quick look at my Fall regimen–

• Wash once or twice a month
• Curlformers to stretch
• No combs or brushes… fingers only… for everything
• Rock twists 99% of the time
• Henna once a month (at least)
• Oil every day
• Moisturize every 3 days
• Protective styling
• Satin bonnet scarf, every night, no exceptions

For those that want the nitty gritty–

Every 2-4 weeks, I remove my twists, and-

• Apply a deep conditioner and/or oil to my dry hair, apply a plastic cap and heat cap for 15 mins.

• Hop in the shower and rinse.

• Thoroughly saturate hair with water and divide into two (left and right).

• Cleanse hair with shampoo– one side at a time. Rinse thoroughly.

• Apply a slippery conditioner, usually Aussie Moist, to both sides in a smooshing motion.

• Pass my head back under the water stream for a second, for better distribution and added slip.

• Clip the hair up and out of the way to complete shower rituals.

• Take down the right side and finger detangle a bit — detangling the rest under the water stream with fingers only. 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 excess moisture. Apply Lacio Lacio leave-in and oil.

• Stretch the hair with Curlformers.

• Allow to set overnight until dry.

• Remove the rollers and finger comb through the curls with oil. Wear hair in two big flat twists, or one high bantu knot, or a bun, or, most often, chunky twists.

• For chunky twists, 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 with a little oil to smooth and twist. After the twists are complete, I apply Qhemet’s Cocoa Ghee or the Lacio Lacio to the length of each twist, focusing on the ends. I don’t use much… just enough to lightly dampen and moisturize. This also helps the twists to set.

• 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 scarf. This is how I sleep.

• I leave my hair in twists 99% of the time, rocking them under 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. I usually do this at night before going to bed.
• Heated moisture/oil treatment at least once a week

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

• Add moisturizer to the ends, and roll the last few inches of each twist on a skinny flexi rod. Or pin curl the end with a bobby pin.
• Allow to fully dry.
• Remove the rollers, and release the twists.
• Fluff and go!
• Later that evening or the next day, I re-twist using the steps above.

PRODUCTS:

Shampoos-
-KeraCare Natural Textures Cleansing Cream
-Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo

Deep Conditioners-
-Jessicurl TooShea
-Curl Junkie Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment

Detangling Conditioner-
Aussie Moist

Leave-in-
Lacio Lacio

Moisturizer-
– Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

Oils-
–Treasured Lock’s African Argan Oil Elixir
-Castor and Moringa Softening Serum

Tools/Accessories-
–CurlFormers
–Hair Therapy Wrap
–Slouchy Beanie
–Satin Bonnet Scarf

Henna-
–Mehandi.com

*NOTES:

-I believe this routine works for me because (1) I only work out 2-3 times a week, 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. If I had to be ‘in public’ more, I’d feel the need to change up my look and professionalize it a bit.

– 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 leave-in to damp (not wet) hair that has been gently blotted. This prevents the excess water from diluting the effects of the conditioner/moisturizer.

-I’ve reincorporated henna and apply it to my dirty, dry hair prior to my bi-monthly washing.

-If you’re a stretcher, get some CurlFormers. It’s the most effective method I’ve used to date.