I want to join in.
Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed:
Natural? I put in an amino acid smoothing treatment about 3 weeks ago. I will continue to use it every 8 to 12 weeks.
Current Length:
I'm almost APL
Goal Length:
For the year 2024, I want to end it with having BSL after all trims are said and done.
Plan to reach goal length:
For the past few years, I have been predominantly following the guidance of kinky curly hair specialist especially that of BGC and affiliates. Although their advice helped me achieve nice looking hair when worn curly, I found several flaws within their practices when it came to length retention and scientific evidence. So this year, Im giving the general advice from cosmetic chemist who specialize in hair a try. I hope to eventually be able to combine the best of both worlds when it comes to knowledge surrounding hair care practice and style. Basically, this means I want to be able to wear my hair down and coiffed while still being able to retain length by using science from hair care experts.
The Plan:
-The first phase of my plan is to shift my hair philosophy. I will be treating the hair that grows beyond the epidermis of my scalp as a non-living fiber or textile that is chemically dynamic.
-Use a shower water filter and change out filters on time to reduce mineral deposits on hair
-Use hair products that have the optimal pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. This includes shampoo, conditioner and styling products.
-Use conditioning products with slip such as those having silicone as a way to prevent breakage and protect the outer cuticle layer
-Use bond building products with backed up scientific evidence as a way to reinforce strength to the inner cortex layer. Remember these products often do not have any conditioning agent. So if hair feels hard ,it is because these products are often not necessarily meant to work on the cuticle layer of hair.
-Use coconut oil or sandwich method on hair before washing to prevent hygral fatigue
-Use gentle detangling tools and take my time doing my hair.
-Ban the use of Felicia Leatherwood brush for the year
-Focus on scalp health by washing scalp more often and actually using dandruff products
-Use only microfiber towels to dry hair
-Use lower heat on tools along side heat protectants
Regimen: Shampoo, condition and then style all while being gentle.
Straight Hair
-I want to try my hand at round brushing but somehow reduce mechanical damage. Im not sure if that is possible, but doing it can potentially be a "healthier" option for heat styling.
-It seems that thermal styling tools like the flat iron are more of a culprit to hair than a blowdryer. Unlike pressing combs that heat the hair up from the outside in and mainly damage the outer cuticle layers, flat irons heat the hair from the inside out. There is a greater chance of the heat denaturing the protein structure within the cortex and permanently breaking disulfide bonds rather than damaging the cuticle. So making sure my hair is fully dry before I flat iron is highly important. The denaturing process starts at 375F and becomes fully denatured past 450F when hair is dry. Unfortunately when hair has excessive moisture in it, the denaturing process can start as low as 320F. So by reducing moisture and heat, I can better mitigate loosening of my curls aka heat damage.
-I will maintain hair either using something like a sleepy tie or do pin curls. Then cover my hair up with a silk or satin scarf. I currently can not find a doobie that doesn't leave dents in my hairline much like bonnets. Otherwise, the doobie would be a decent choice over or under a scarf. I will also lubricated my ends with a serum or oil.
Wash n Go
-The emphasis will be on using heavy weight gels that can keep my curls elongated while my hair dries. I might start using leave-ins. It has nothing to do with trying to moisturize or hydrate my hair. I just need more lubrication and heavier conditioning properties. I will also use a buff or scarf to pineapple my hair at night. This keeps the volume and prevents squishing of curls.
-I might revisit styling foams again. I spoke with Miche and they suggested that i should apply it on wetter hair instead of putting a leave-in underneath. If this does not remedy the lack of slip, then i will for sure only use mousse with a leave-in. If doing this will allow me to style at night or take less than 30 mins in the morning, I would prefer this to spending an entire day waiting for my hair to dry.
Wash n Plait
-This is for ultimate lazy days. I will either put my hair in one plait or two. I will be slicking my hair down using children's products or mousse. Gel stay wet too long and leave my hair too hard.
Protective Styles: I will be using hair toys (e.g. claw clip or flexi 8) to keep to keep my ends tucked away and to stop my hair from rubbing against things. My goal is to protect myself from common hair interactions with rough collars, jewelry, purse straps, seat belts and the likes. My hair will be wrapped up in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet anytime I'm in the house.
Staple Products:
I'm going to be honest. I have so many products to use up. I'll be heavily rotating products. I can give you an idea of what will be used.
Straight hair: leave-in or blowdry spray/cream with heat protectant, split end mender (protects against split ends and leaves ends looking smoother) and serum or cream for flat ironing.
Wash and go: heavy gel with slip and hold or leave-in and styling foam combo
Wash n Plait: detangling leave-in and a soft hold styling product to slick hair down with.
Leave-in: Luster's Kid Easy Comb Detangling creme or Mielle Pom and Honey Leave-in
Slick Back: Just For Me Curl Peace Ponytail and Edge Control Cream or Just for Me Nutrition Moisturizing Styling Smoothie
Prevent Fly Away in Plait: Just for Me Curl Peace Grip Glaze or Luster's Pink Kids Curl Creation Custard.
Starting Pic:
As they say, A set back is just the setup for a comeback! I appreciate the support!
