AngieK
New Member
<font color="brown">I was looking back on some of my old hair journals from last year and I realize that I have learned a lot since then. The basic regimen is the same, but there are several things that are different.
Since then, I have mastered airdrying. For one thing, I now use an ACV rinse with EVERY wash. For me, this has cut down on tangles TREMENDOUSLY. My wet combouts are much easier, and my air-dried hair is smoother and softer. Last year, my air-dried hair was sort of crinkly and not so soft. I also am sure to use a leave-in conditioner along with oil and some type of styling fixative. Once I have my hair combed into place, I DO NOT TOUCH it until it is fully dried. This cuts down on "Poofiness". Last year, I used to fiddle with it while it was drying and I always ended up with big hair. Now that I have "perfected" the method, I airdry the majority of the time. I only rollerset whenever I get the patience to sit under the dryer.
Last year, I was rollersetting my hair on the magnetic rollers with the plastic covers. Now, I have FINALLY learned how to use the roller clips -- which I think is better because it cuts out the unnecessary friction on my wet hair.
Last year, I would always do a pre-shampoo conditioner whether I deep conditioned or not. Now, I only do one or the other -- either a pre-shampoo treatment, or a post shampoo deep condition with heat. Now that my hair is in pretty good shape, there really isn't a reason for me to do both.
I guess that I can say that one of the most important things that I have learned over the past year is that my hair is actually FINE to medium. I originally thought that it was medium textured all over, but it is not. Now that my hair is properly relaxed (not over or under processed), and I am using a core group of great products, I can see that my hair is not coarse and is actually very soft -- which can be tricky. Although my hair is fine, I have a lot of strands and it can look deceivingly thick at times and has fooled a lot of stylists in the past. This has made a difference especially in the way that I style my hair. Hair spray, spritz, and firm hold setting lotion is a big no-no for me. I now use styling creams, foams and spray gels instead. I keep it moisturized (but not with heavy oils), and I am more aware of products that cause a buildup on my hair. Now, whenever my hair starts to feel coated, coarse or brittle, I take the time to make an assessment and then I reach for a clarifier (instead of slapping oil on it in with the hopes that it will soften up)!
What about the rest of you? What things have you learned about your hair over the past 12 months?
AngieK </font>
Since then, I have mastered airdrying. For one thing, I now use an ACV rinse with EVERY wash. For me, this has cut down on tangles TREMENDOUSLY. My wet combouts are much easier, and my air-dried hair is smoother and softer. Last year, my air-dried hair was sort of crinkly and not so soft. I also am sure to use a leave-in conditioner along with oil and some type of styling fixative. Once I have my hair combed into place, I DO NOT TOUCH it until it is fully dried. This cuts down on "Poofiness". Last year, I used to fiddle with it while it was drying and I always ended up with big hair. Now that I have "perfected" the method, I airdry the majority of the time. I only rollerset whenever I get the patience to sit under the dryer.
Last year, I was rollersetting my hair on the magnetic rollers with the plastic covers. Now, I have FINALLY learned how to use the roller clips -- which I think is better because it cuts out the unnecessary friction on my wet hair.
Last year, I would always do a pre-shampoo conditioner whether I deep conditioned or not. Now, I only do one or the other -- either a pre-shampoo treatment, or a post shampoo deep condition with heat. Now that my hair is in pretty good shape, there really isn't a reason for me to do both.
I guess that I can say that one of the most important things that I have learned over the past year is that my hair is actually FINE to medium. I originally thought that it was medium textured all over, but it is not. Now that my hair is properly relaxed (not over or under processed), and I am using a core group of great products, I can see that my hair is not coarse and is actually very soft -- which can be tricky. Although my hair is fine, I have a lot of strands and it can look deceivingly thick at times and has fooled a lot of stylists in the past. This has made a difference especially in the way that I style my hair. Hair spray, spritz, and firm hold setting lotion is a big no-no for me. I now use styling creams, foams and spray gels instead. I keep it moisturized (but not with heavy oils), and I am more aware of products that cause a buildup on my hair. Now, whenever my hair starts to feel coated, coarse or brittle, I take the time to make an assessment and then I reach for a clarifier (instead of slapping oil on it in with the hopes that it will soften up)!
What about the rest of you? What things have you learned about your hair over the past 12 months?
AngieK </font>
