erplexed
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I'm natural and have blond highlights. I am sure to use some form of protein every wash day (I'm using Joico K-pak at the moment), I always DC with a moisturizing conditioner under the hooded dryer with a plastic cap (right now using PM Supercharged moisturizer mixed with olive and coconut oils). I also use porosity control every other week. I also avoid shampoos with sulfates so I use either the original CON or Loreal EverStrong shampoo. I am really diligent about keeping up with my regimen since I don't want breakage and so far I'm doing just fine in that department
I avoid cowashing in between washes, since I think my water is hard and I don't have a filter. Frequent cowashing seems to make my hair drier.
I'm still playing around with daily moisturizers as I've never really found one that I really like.
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I don't know much about caring for highlights, but the healthiest method is to lighten your hair to it's fullest potential (3 shades) then repeat the same process later on. This is done without bleach. The picture I attached shows both colors.
My regimen is not much different than any other natural to be honest. I deep condition weekly, and roller set. Sometimes I'll straighten, but never more than twice a month, and I cut blow-drying completely out of my regimen. I'll use Roux Porosity control every one in awhile, but protein makes my hair hard so I rarely use it. I have a 4A hair type. If you don't have to bleach...DON'T. It's hard even for white girls to maintain healthy bleached hair. I've heard too many horror stories.
ETA: I forgot to add moisturize every day! But I'm sure you already do that. Riiiight?
I love Aphogee 2 step and do it about every 2 months or so. (before my hair used to break and shed profusely before I started protein) I also Co-wash on a pretty regular basis with no troubles. I need to DC more often but I honestly don't remember the last time that I did.
For 50% of that I used rinses ( semi-permanents). Now all I really do is co-wash and deep condition. I stocked up on Roux products and I dont even use them anymore.
For me I concentrated on protein during those first few weeks after I colored. I did alot to my hair within a short time going from purple, to red, to honey blonde, to bleached highlights, then adding in lowlights.
I started out bleaching a portion of my hair in the front and then dying it to the desired color. I used a toner on my bleached highlights.
Shoot, if i'm taking the precaution of going natural for healthier hair, the least I can do is have fun with it.
Remember to always to a heavy protein treatment before and after your bleaching. Always apply the bleach to the middle and ends first, then the roots. Your roots process quicker because of body heat. Using a toner will take away the brassy, red tones. I like using Wella Toners. If you wind up with an orangey bleached color, your going to want to neutralize that with it's complimentary color. Remember the Color Wheel.
If your hair has yellowish tones, neutralize with a violet toner. Orange with blue, etc. I like White Lady or Ivory Lady.
Also I wouldn't go higher than a 20 volume developer even with bleach. It'll take longer to process, but your hair wont be as badly damaged. Never use a 40 vol. Stay away from overuse of heating implements and I don't recommend box dyes. If you don't want to be blond, you can always bleach first, protein treat, then dye to desired color.
