Just an observation, Just my opinion

[JJamiah]

I leave Aphogee 2 minute in for 10 minutes my hair really does not seem to be upset about it, it feels stronger than when I leave it on for just the 2 minutes, but always follow it up with Moisturizing Deep Conditioner usually Silk Elements Mega Silk under the dryer for 20 minutes and leave it on for 1-2 hours and it works for ME! I love it, DON'T CARE who doesn't LIKE IT, BEcause I do and I am all that matters when it comes to my hair.

I never really had an unhealthy hair practice due to going to cosmetology school at an early age and falling in love with conditioners and hair care at 9, I also wanted to avoid getting knocked in the head with the brush so I took care of my hair myself at 8, The actual thing they told us in 19** in Cosmetology School is once a month that is what was taught then like old practice, now they teach you differently the tell you AT Least ONCE a month the least, so that opens up for options for even the lazy. People what works for one may not work for all find your regimen and stick to it, but hair (baby) wants different things at different times so you must stay open minded about it.

 

[Chaosbutterfly]

Sorry to highjack for a sec---speaking of not following the directions on the bottle-has anyone ever DC'd with Aphogee 2 min? Good/bad results?

I don't know if this counts, but I prepoo with Aphogee 2 Minute for 45 minutes, once a week. I don't use heat to do it, because I'm not crazy.
But it's given me nothing but good results....strong hair without protein overload.
But I always do a very moisturizing DC afterwards, and my hair is very tolerant of protein anyway. If you want to try DCing with Aphogee, I'd increase the time in increments of five every week in order to safely figure out just what your limits are.

But back on topic, I think that DC should be left on for 15-20 minutes at least, in order to give the hair time to absorb all the nutrients and goodness. I know that my hair would laugh at a 3 minute DC. It would literally do nothing. Those manufacturers didn't write those instructions for my hair specifically, so I don't see anything wrong with rewriting them to fit what I want.
After all, people leave on relaxer (which is far more dangerous than conditioner) for times other than what is indicated for the package, depending on what effect they want to achieve with their hair.

 

[Lola Laughs]

Thanks for all for rec's on Aphogee. Case in point that YMMV. I am going to try Aphogee with heat for about 10 mins. followed with moisturizing DC for 20.

 

[JJamiah]

What I have learned from this site is you do what works for your hair. Some ppl like to only relax the new growth and some ppl can relax the entire length of their hair with no problems or damage. Sure it says only relax the new growth but some ppl know what works best for their hair. When I was a lurker I used to do and buy everything I saw on this board and now I cut out the nonsense and just stick to what works for me instead of running after the new product fads.I only deep condition once a month with an ORS pak and I dont leave it on for 45-1 hour I leave it on for about 5 minutes with no heat and my hair is still heavily conditioned. I may do a cowash twice a month . It's working for my hair for the time being.

I have never in my life seen a head of healthy hair that they over Lapped constantly. I haven't heard anyone here say that either, I know I don't read every single thread but as a Professional and your friend this is NOT COOL, PEOPLE don't do this! COnditioner and CHEMICAL RELAXER R 2 different ball games.

OVer Lapping is a NONO! Your guarenteeing breakage and it shortens the life of your tresses. It makes the hair weak at the point of overlapping an that is where you will have your problems.

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

I have never in my life seen a head of healthy hair that they over Lapped constantly. I haven't heard anyone here say that either, I know I don't read every single thread but as a Professional and your friend this is NOT COOL, PEOPLE don't do this! COnditioner and CHEMICAL RELAXER R 2 different ball games.

OVer Lapping is a NONO! Your guarenteeing breakage and it shortens the life of your tresses. It makes the hair weak at the point of overlapping an that is where you will have your problems.

Yeah, what she said...

 

[Solitude]

I think my hair felt better when I was DCing for a looong time. I've gotten lazy, so I've only been conditioning for a few minutes in the shower. I'm going back to my routine in 2010 and DCing longer.

 

[Solitude]

about Aphogee....I like the products to be used alternatively with my other hair care products. However, I always following the directions on Aphogee products. If it says 2 minutes, only keep it on for 2 minutes.

 

[shunemite]

What I have learned from this site is you do what works for your hair.

I agree. Different strokes for different folks. Just try out different times and stuff and see what your hair likes. Mine likes about 30 min of either protein or a moisturizing conditioner. End of story.

 

[destine2grow]

DCing for 20 minutes to 1 hour has worked for me too. I don't usually use any heat because I am too restless to sit under a dryer. I do it up to 3 times a week if I have time.

I also do the same thing and I find that my hair likes it! I agree with finding what works for you!

 

[likewtr4chklit]

What I have learned from this site is you do what works for your hair. Some ppl like to only relax the new growth and some ppl can relax the entire length of their hair with no problems or damage. Sure it says only relax the new growth but some ppl know what works best for their hair. When I was a lurker I used to do and buy everything I saw on this board and now I cut out the nonsense and just stick to what works for me instead of running after the new product fads.I only deep condition once a month with an ORS pak and I dont leave it on for 45-1 hour I leave it on for about 5 minutes with no heat and my hair is still heavily conditioned. I may do a cowash twice a month . It's working for my hair for the time being.

@ the bolded and underlined:

But I agree with not falling into every fad that hits the boards. After a while you find things you like and stick with it.

 

[shunemite]

relax the entire length of their hair with no problems or damage

Relaxing the whole length with "no problems" is like Tiger Woods and Elin: you are having problems, it just doesn't look like it. Keep on doing it and it'll all fall apart. Once a year of relaxing the entire length is bearable, but regularly is a disaster.

 

[Americka]

Relaxing the whole length with "no problems" is like Tiger Woods and Elin: you are having problems, it just doesn't look like it. Keep on doing it and it'll all fall apart. Once a year of relaxing the entire length is bearable, but regularly is a disaster.

Yes, yes, yes! I am here to bear witness to that fact. I did it for over a decade...and began to find hair in my sink, on the back of my clothes, and on my bathroom floor. Overprocessed hair is not cute!

 

[Jazala]

I've read several threads re. the use of conditioners. I've noticed that some ladies do weekly or more frequent deep conditions, for thirty minutes to an hour and sometimes more. Is this safe, especially for relaxed hair? I recognize that there are different hair types with different needs. However, I do not believe that it takes this much time for a protein or moisture based conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft. Most of the directions on these conditioners recommend far less time. In my opinion, this excessive use of conditioners will do more harm than good to our hair, which will break sooner or later.

Keep in mind, I don't have a problem with doing a DC treatment for twenty to thirty minutes once a month, as needed. I'm only concerned about weekly or more frequent usage.

I'm an advocate of following directions. If your conditioner only requires five minutes then most likely it is not a DEEP conditioner. I would not use that type of product for a DC.

 

[MizzCoco]

My hair has certainly thrived since leaving my conditioners on longer than the time specified on the bottle. I never do this with a protein like Joico Kpak or Aphogee, but since I use them on a regular basis, my hair has never been over-moisturized when I leave a moisturizing DC on for a long time. Its all about balance

 

[BrooklynSouth]

Works for me and experience has taught me that it is my unique hair. I deep condition with moisturizing products...every shampoo as long as I want with no problems..actually great results!!

 

[longhairlover]

actually for relaxed hair you should do a deep conditioning treatment at least once weekly if not 2x's. I deep condition 2 -3 times a week, my hair needs it because it is relaxed and I color my hair as well.

the only time breakage will start is if a person is overdoing the protein conditioning. I alternate between protein and moisturizing conditioners and my hair is doing just fine actually it's flourishing with health right now.

I only deep condition for 25 mins under the dryer. that is all the hair needs, anything after 25mins and it's unecessary. within 25 mins the hair shaft has time to open up and receive the nutrients from the conditioners. the time frame of 25 mins max is actually from research and facts.

 

[FAMUDva]

Everyone's hair is different. I DC once a week for 20-30 mins under a hydration steamer and I have natural hair. No side effects yet.

I mean, I also notice that conditioners (and other products) suggest I use a dime or quarter sized amount... My hair is like erplexed if I really follow those directions... I need way more conditioner for what they recommend and I've even heard women of different ethnic backgrounds (with curly hair) say the same thing about the amounts listed in the directions.

Now for me, I don't personally sleep in conditioner but thats because I find it messy or I just dont want to sleep with a plastic cap because it's not the business (for me and DH) .

 

[brucebettye]

I will use a moisturizing conditioner for 20 minutes to an hour or over night. This works wonders for my hair. However, my hair cannot take protein for over 20 to 30 minutes because it will cause breakage.

 

[Filmatic]

My hair is a moisture queen. I overnight DC or baggy 1-2x a week this winter. More when I was relaxed. When relaxed I also use to add protein in just to balance but my hair never got mushy without it. Now I only use protein when I color or is I feel like it. I also CW daily. My hair is thick and strong and the DC have made my hair shine.

 

[LaidBak]

Points well taken! I am just concerned about what those frequent DC's would do to my weakened relaxed hair. Everyone's hair is different, some people do better with less or more. You have to know your own hair; what works for some or many doesn't work for all.

SueA2 I understand where you are coming from. The key to avoiding that is understanding exactly what type of DC you are using and understanding exactly what your hair is lacking. That takes research, trial, and error.

Start with a strand test, figure out why your hair is weak, research the related conditions here in the forums (or other online sources), pick the right conditioner for you, and then use it as often as you need to see results. Once a week wont hurt you as long as you have the right stuff.

 

[BostonMaria]

When my hair was relaxed I was always told to never leave a deep conditioner in my hair for more than 15 minutes or else I'd end up with mushy hair. Looking back, my hair always looked dry, brittle and it broke off very easily. I think that had I known about deep conditioning more often back in the day I wouldn't have had these problems.

I say find a good deep condtioner and try dc'ing for one hour 1-2x a week and after 4 weeks see how your hair is reacting. If it doesn't feel right then stop. If it looks better, then keep going.

My hair is natural and I haven't had a relaxer in 3 years, but I can say that everyone's hair is different and you'll need to find out what works for yours.

 

[SueA2]

Thanks LaidBak!

 

[glamazon386]

I've read several threads re. the use of conditioners. I've noticed that some ladies do weekly or more frequent deep conditions, for thirty minutes to an hour and sometimes more. Is this safe, especially for relaxed hair? I recognize that there are different hair types with different needs. However, I do not believe that it takes this much time for a protein or moisture based conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft. Most of the directions on these conditioners recommend far less time. In my opinion, this excessive use of conditioners will do more harm than good to our hair, which will break sooner or later.

Keep in mind, I don't have a problem with doing a DC treatment for twenty to thirty minutes once a month, as needed. I'm only concerned about weekly or more frequent usage.

If your moisture protein balance is reasonable too much dcing will not hurt the hair. Also if leaving conditioner in too long is harmful why do some conditioners give you the option to leave in? As long as it's not a a heavy protein conditioner and you maintain your moisture protein balance (as in don't let ot get to the point of overmoisturization which can lead to mushy hair and breakage) it won't affect the hair negatively. I think this is why it's important to include some type of protein in a regimen especially for relaxed hair.

If you do not plan to use heat with the conditioner you need to leave it on longer. I've actually seen that in the directions on some bottles of DC. I know the ORS packet says to leave it on for like an hr if you won't be using heat.

 

[Arcadian]

Sue, I grew from ear to mid back and continued to DC usually 1 time a week. I had a few times that I've gotten lazy and would wait for 10 days, but I've never waited a full month to DC.

I tend to DC probably an hour or so? I really don't know I just leave it on and rinse when I think I need to.

Each head is a little different. For me, how I DC in the summer isn't how I DC in the winter. You just have to pay attention to what your hair is saying it needs.

If hair is mushy, add a bit of protien to the mix. if hair is brittle, add extra moisture.

I relax with phyto II.

-A

 

[SueA2]

Thanks Arcadian. My hair is never mushy, mainly brittle at times. I think I could use a little more protein in my regimen. However, no more than twenty minutes to DC because, although I have very thick hair, my moisture/protein balance gets thrown off very quickly.

 

[sheba1]

Thanks Arcadian. My hair is never mushy, mainly brittle at times. I think I could use a little more protein in my regimen. However, no more than twenty minutes to DC because, although I have very thick hair, my moisture/protein balance gets thrown off very quickly.

Brittle hair is in need of moisture

 

[LaidBak]

Brittle hair is in need of moisture

Wholeheartedly agree! Please do the research before you make a drastic change to your regimen. We don't want you having a setback.

 

[SueA2]

Thanks LaidBak! I appreciate you looking out

 

[*Muffin*]

I respect your opinion, but I really think that the frequency with which a person feels the need to DC, co-wash, etc... is up to the individual. Me personally, I deep condition once per week. I wouldn't do it any more frequently than that. Is it really a necessity? Maybe, maybe not, I just like the way my hair feels after deep conditioning. I personally feel that it helps me, whereas others may deem it unnecessary. When I deep condition I do so for no more than 30 minutes with heat. If it's without heat, I'll do so for about an hour or so. That works for me. Having a friend that's also on a healthy hair journey has taught me that what works for some definitely does not always work for all. A lot of products and methods that her hair loves my hair doesn't care for, and vice versa. It took us both a long time to find out what worked for us as individuals. It's all up to us to find our healthy hair groove and a routine that works for us. Just my thoughts .

 

[Arcadian]

Thanks Arcadian. My hair is never mushy, mainly brittle at times. I think I could use a little more protein in my regimen. However, no more than twenty minutes to DC because, although I have very thick hair, my moisture/protein balance gets thrown off very quickly.

Sue, has this always been an issue with your hair, or did it start recently?

When is the last time you've clarified? It may be a good place to start

I had used ORS Replinishing Paks for many years. I can't seem to find them in my area any more but they worked very well for me and was the perfect balance of protien and moisture. I typically do a no heat method, and you can leave on for 45 minutes or so if you just cover with a cap.

I recently started to use Phytohoba. I's very moisturizing and perfect for dry winter hair This summer I will no doubt go through the last of my stash of ORS

If you air dry, you may want to make sure you seal the hair with oil while its drying, its very helpful especially during the colder months.

Also look at your daily styling products. Some types of styling products can block moisture as well, and it dosen't matter if you use more if it can't penetrate. If you use products that are heavy in cones you may need to up your washings to 2 times a week. Thats just so your hair can get some needed moisture to it.

Since you're using Index I and you have thicker hair, I'm guessing you're probably closer to being texlaxed?

-A