Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2023

[MzSwift]

You are welcome! And that lady in the video is a genius [my opinion- as she has never stated this herself]. I believe she is a PhD in a scientific field and a former university professor.

What is an "amino acid tx", please? What are the ingredients and measurements that you use, please? What are "10 sec water tx products", please?

Yes, try using the products after your next trim to see if it does make an immediate, noticeable difference. Do your duty and report back after, from the field, soldier.

Yes ma'am!! *salutes*

First, I want to say that my degrees are in people science, not any of the elemental sciences, so I am NOT a hair guru/scientist by any means!

I absolutely love the water txs! I haven't seen any adverse effects from using them but I assume that it's like everything else - too much of a good thing is bad.

I started off using the Moremo water tx.



Amazon product ASIN B076P5ZR32
I was trying to find a good protein tx that wasn't a hard protein. And an Amazon search landed me on the Moremo product, I believe it's a Korean product. I read the reviews, liked what I saw and then shared with the LHCF relaxed ladies that I would be the test dummy for the product.

You wash your hair and then apply the tx only to the bottom half of the hair for 12 seconds. Then immediately rinse it off. So I got it bc KISS is right up my alley! An important feature is that the product warms as it reacts to the water so the ladies here and I were delved into that and I felt content enough to keep using it. I use it in the shower after using my cleanser. I used the entire bottle with no adverse effects, only positive results (that's not puffery).

But that mug was $30 for a small bottle at the time so when I went back to purchase another bottle a few years later, I looked for a similar, cheaper option. I stumbled upon a more commercial version:



Amazon product ASIN B07X6HCLK2
And it works exactly like the Moremo, except that I leave it on for a shorter amount of time and it's less than $10!

They both smell really perfumey but pleasant to me. And they both leave my ends feeling smoother, almost sealed, than before use. I primarily wear my hair in mini braids/twists, like 80-90% of the year, so I have access to baby my ends but they are also more exposed than a full PS. Like you, I've really been trying to find a balance between full PSing and wearing my hair "out" more. I find these braids to be that for me. I use these products while in my braids/twists. I think I've used them each on loose hair once and I had the same results that I usually have in my braids/twists.
I only use it about once or twice a week when I'm being regular. But even using it every once in a while has been beneficial.

Alright, now the amino acid tx:

Yeah so, uh, ingredients, uh, they are ... uh ...

So I mix like my grandma used to cook, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. LOL

I learned about it on BHM a long time ago so I can't remember what the proportions are supposed to be. It's any DC mixed with amino acids and baking soda. I use Queen Helene cholesterol as a base bc it's thick, probably about 1/2 cup. I prefer thicker products in general but especially w this mix bc it can become pretty frothy. Then I add a few squirts of a cheapie moisturizing conditioner. Then about a couple TBSP of Braggs Amino Acids (from the grocery store). I also add in some in some orange EO for scent bc the Braggs smells like soy sauce. The last thing I add is the baking soda bc once you add it, the mixture froths up and expands a lot! I stir in about 1 TBSP of baking soda. If it doesn't start to react/froth when I stir, then I add a little more until it does. I hope that makes sense.

I usually only relax my hair once or twice a year so when I need to straighten it during my long stretch, I would use the amino acid tx to help make my new growth take a flat iron a little better. It results in less reversion for me so my press lasted longer (I rarely use heat). But what I primarily use the tx for is as the DC right after my relaxer to remove the chemical smell. So that's the only thing I have good photos of.

Here's how straight my press gets when I'm using it during my long stretch. I usually only flat iron at the EOTY so sorry about the lack of pics. This is 13 weeks/about 3 months post relaxer-



And this is applied and rinsed out after my relaxer (I don't relax bone straight)-





I love the amino acid tx! I've been thinking about making it my regular protein tx but I'm concerned about too much of a good thing.
I know some ladies have had bad experiences using baking soda too often so I've been exercising caution based on those experiences.
I'm also a regular ayurveda user, like daily in almost every step lol, so I think I may also get strengthening from that.

 

[MzSwift]

What it TX????

Sorry, I didn't mean to capitalize it. tx= treatment

 

[Chicoro]

Yes ma'am!! *salutes*

First, I want to say that my degrees are in people science, not any of the elemental sciences, so I am NOT a hair guru/scientist by any means!

I absolutely love the water txs! I haven't seen any adverse effects from using them but I assume that it's like everything else - too much of a good thing is bad.

I started off using the Moremo water tx.

View attachment 490085

Amazon product ASIN B076P5ZR32
I was trying to find a good protein tx that wasn't a hard protein. And an Amazon search landed me on the Moremo product, I believe it's a Korean product. I read the reviews, liked what I saw and then shared with the LHCF relaxed ladies that I would be the test dummy for the product.

You wash your hair and then apply the tx only to the bottom half of the hair for 12 seconds. Then immediately rinse it off. So I got it bc KISS is right up my alley! An important feature is that the product warms as it reacts to the water so the ladies here and I were delved into that and I felt content enough to keep using it. I use it in the shower after using my cleanser. I used the entire bottle with no adverse effects, only positive results (that's not puffery).

But that mug was $30 for a small bottle at the time so when I went back to purchase another bottle a few years later, I looked for a similar, cheaper option. I stumbled upon a more commercial version:

View attachment 490083

Amazon product ASIN B07X6HCLK2
And it works exactly like the Moremo, except that I leave it on for a shorter amount of time and it's less than $10!

They both smell really perfumey but pleasant to me. And they both leave my ends feeling smoother, almost sealed, than before use. I primarily wear my hair in mini braids/twists, like 80-90% of the year, so I have access to baby my ends but they are also more exposed than a full PS. Like you, I've really been trying to find a balance between full PSing and wearing my hair "out" more. I find these braids to be that for me. I use these products while in my braids/twists. I think I've used them each on loose hair once and I had the same results that I usually have in my braids/twists.
I only use it about once or twice a week when I'm being regular. But even using it every once in a while has been beneficial.

Alright, now the amino acid tx:

Yeah so, uh, ingredients, uh, they are ... uh ...

So I mix like my grandma used to cook, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. LOL

I learned about it on BHM a long time ago so I can't remember what the proportions are supposed to be. It's any DC mixed with amino acids and baking soda. I use Queen Helene cholesterol as a base bc it's thick, probably about 1/2 cup. I prefer thicker products in general but especially w this mix bc it can become pretty frothy. Then I add a few squirts of a cheapie moisturizing conditioner. Then about a couple TBSP of Braggs Amino Acids (from the grocery store). I also add in some in some orange EO for scent bc the Braggs smells like soy sauce. The last thing I add is the baking soda bc once you add it, the mixture froths up and expands a lot! I stir in about 1 TBSP of baking soda. If it doesn't start to react/froth when I stir, then I add a little more until it does. I hope that makes sense.

I usually only relax my hair once or twice a year so when I need to straighten it during my long stretch, I would use the amino acid tx to help make my new growth take a flat iron a little better. It results in less reversion for me so my press lasted longer (I rarely use heat). But what I primarily use the tx for is as the DC right after my relaxer to remove the chemical smell. So that's the only thing I have good photos of.

Here's how straight my press gets when I'm using it during my long stretch. I usually only flat iron at the EOTY so sorry about the lack of pics. This is 13 weeks/about 3 months post relaxer-

View attachment 490087

And this is applied and rinsed out after my relaxer (I don't relax bone straight)-

View attachment 490091

View attachment 490093

I love the amino acid tx! I've been thinking about making it my regular protein tx but I'm concerned about too much of a good thing.
I know some ladies have had bad experiences using baking soda too often so I've been exercising caution based on those experiences.
I'm also a regular ayurveda user, like daily in almost every step lol, so I think I may also get strengthening from that.

Ooooo! This is some prettttty hair!!

 

[MzSwift]

Ooooo! This is some prettttty hair!!

Thank you, pretty-haired lady.

 

[GettingKinky]

Today was my second week of using Epres. I can’t really tell if it’s doing anything for my hair, but I felt the same way about olaplex 3. My hope is that it is keeping mechanical damage at bay so I will continue to use it.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

@MzSwift
... Thank you for your Review of the "Water Treatment"

I bought the L'Oreal one a long time ago but could not figure out "how" to work it into my current Regimen, so thank you for posting how and when you incorporate this.

Now I need to look for it and try to see when and at what point I can use it.

ETA: Beautiful Drool-Worthy Tresses!

 

[Lylddlebit]

Yes ma'am!! *salutes*

First, I want to say that my degrees are in people science, not any of the elemental sciences, so I am NOT a hair guru/scientist by any means!

I absolutely love the water txs! I haven't seen any adverse effects from using them but I assume that it's like everything else - too much of a good thing is bad.

I started off using the Moremo water tx.

View attachment 490085

Amazon product ASIN B076P5ZR32
I was trying to find a good protein tx that wasn't a hard protein. And an Amazon search landed me on the Moremo product, I believe it's a Korean product. I read the reviews, liked what I saw and then shared with the LHCF relaxed ladies that I would be the test dummy for the product.

You wash your hair and then apply the tx only to the bottom half of the hair for 12 seconds. Then immediately rinse it off. So I got it bc KISS is right up my alley! An important feature is that the product warms as it reacts to the water so the ladies here and I were delved into that and I felt content enough to keep using it. I use it in the shower after using my cleanser. I used the entire bottle with no adverse effects, only positive results (that's not puffery).

But that mug was $30 for a small bottle at the time so when I went back to purchase another bottle a few years later, I looked for a similar, cheaper option. I stumbled upon a more commercial version:

View attachment 490083

Amazon product ASIN B07X6HCLK2
And it works exactly like the Moremo, except that I leave it on for a shorter amount of time and it's less than $10!

They both smell really perfumey but pleasant to me. And they both leave my ends feeling smoother, almost sealed, than before use. I primarily wear my hair in mini braids/twists, like 80-90% of the year, so I have access to baby my ends but they are also more exposed than a full PS. Like you, I've really been trying to find a balance between full PSing and wearing my hair "out" more. I find these braids to be that for me. I use these products while in my braids/twists. I think I've used them each on loose hair once and I had the same results that I usually have in my braids/twists.
I only use it about once or twice a week when I'm being regular. But even using it every once in a while has been beneficial.

Alright, now the amino acid tx:

Yeah so, uh, ingredients, uh, they are ... uh ...

So I mix like my grandma used to cook, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. LOL

I learned about it on BHM a long time ago so I can't remember what the proportions are supposed to be. It's any DC mixed with amino acids and baking soda. I use Queen Helene cholesterol as a base bc it's thick, probably about 1/2 cup. I prefer thicker products in general but especially w this mix bc it can become pretty frothy. Then I add a few squirts of a cheapie moisturizing conditioner. Then about a couple TBSP of Braggs Amino Acids (from the grocery store). I also add in some in some orange EO for scent bc the Braggs smells like soy sauce. The last thing I add is the baking soda bc once you add it, the mixture froths up and expands a lot! I stir in about 1 TBSP of baking soda. If it doesn't start to react/froth when I stir, then I add a little more until it does. I hope that makes sense.

I usually only relax my hair once or twice a year so when I need to straighten it during my long stretch, I would use the amino acid tx to help make my new growth take a flat iron a little better. It results in less reversion for me so my press lasted longer (I rarely use heat). But what I primarily use the tx for is as the DC right after my relaxer to remove the chemical smell. So that's the only thing I have good photos of.

Here's how straight my press gets when I'm using it during my long stretch. I usually only flat iron at the EOTY so sorry about the lack of pics. This is 13 weeks/about 3 months post relaxer-

View attachment 490087

And this is applied and rinsed out after my relaxer (I don't relax bone straight)-

View attachment 490091

View attachment 490093

I love the amino acid tx! I've been thinking about making it my regular protein tx but I'm concerned about too much of a good thing.
I know some ladies have had bad experiences using baking soda too often so I've been exercising caution based on those experiences.
I'm also a regular ayurveda user, like daily in almost every step lol, so I think I may also get strengthening from that.

Beautiful Hair!

 

[yamilee21]

I’m losing less hair when I detangle before or during washing… I guess that is some progress. But my hair is still as lopsided as ever; I’m probably going to keep it in buns and updos for the rest of my life, .

Also, I have a useful tip for anyone who might use those spray-on temporary hair colors: wear a mask when spraying the color onto the hair, especially if you have seasonal allergies that make you sneeze and blow your nose often, and particularly if you use real handkerchiefs.

 

[Napp]

Going back to the baggy grease and ponytail. Now more so for convenience than anything. I don't have the patience to style my hair anymore and just want to go back to my signature look.

 

[Chicoro]

We are in the last week of June of 2023! Wow the weeks and months are racing by. Hope everyone and your hair are all doing well!

 

[Chicoro]

I was going to try to go this and next week without washing my hair. But, my hair is matted in the back near the nape. So, I think I will wash my hair this weekend.

 

[GGsKin]

I hennaed my hair on Sunday and after a good DC, followed my with my current signature half-up-half-down braid out, on blow dried hair. I fear I may have an obsession with seeking and cutting my split ends but I'm willing to sacrifice length atm, for healthy hair. Plus I like my current shape in a braid out. I just hope I don't end up cutting myself back to a crop at this rate. My hair/ ends feel good.

 

[Chicoro]

I hennaed my hair on Sunday and after a good DC, followed my with my current signature half-up-half-down braid out, on blow dried hair. I fear I may have an obsession with seeking and cutting my split ends but I'm willing to sacrifice length atm, for healthy hair. Plus I like my current shape in a braid out. I just hope I don't end up cutting myself back to a crop at this rate. My hair/ ends feel good.

I am sure it looks pretty. Why are you concerned about cutting too much? Is it possible that you may not want exceptionally long hair?

 

[GGsKin]

I am sure it looks pretty. Why are you concerned about cutting too much? Is it possible that you may not want exceptionally long hair?

Oh, I do want long hair. I also want pretty hair, and I just know that my hair looks raggedy at longer lengths when it is full of splits (which it always seems to be in recent years smh). My hair doesn't disguise them well, so I'd rather be rid of them.

I wash my hair about once a week, or every two weeks, and each time, I'll be cutting some lol. I hope my hair is trying to grow at the rate I'm cutting, but I'd be surprised. I'm more concerned about my growing split obsession. I like this length on me right now but I'm not trying to end up bald lol.

 

[Chicoro]

Oh, I do want long hair. I also want pretty hair, and I just know that my hair looks raggedy at longer lengths when it is full of splits (which it always seems to be in recent years smh). My hair doesn't disguise them well, so I'd rather be rid of them.

I wash my hair about once a week, or every two weeks, and each time, I'll be cutting some lol. I hope my hair is trying to grow at the rate I'm cutting, but I'd be surprised. I'm more concerned about my growing split obsession. I like this length on me right now but I'm not trying to end up bald lol.

I see. Thank you for clarifying! Well, I KNOW you have pretty hair because I've seen pictures of your lovely hair.

 

[Chicoro]

My hair is continuing to get matted and tangled at the roots when I pull back my four braids. The ends are staying nice and safe and protected. I've resolved my tangling and breakage issues with the ends of my hair, for right now.

What has arisen is that my braids are matting together at the roots and even on the sides of the braids. This is the fourth (4th) time I've noted this so I have to acknowledge to myself that it is a problem that is NOT going to resolve itself. I am creating breakage and losing hair at the roots.

I got the idea to wrap the two, back, bottom braids with yarn. I won't wrap them together, but have two braids separately wrapped. I may wrap all four, I don't know until I give this a try.

String is too thin in my opinion because I believe it may cut into the hair strands. I think yarn is the better option for me. I am going to purchase some acrylic, black yarn. I hope to wash my hair this weekend.

The expectation is that this will keep the roots of each braid protected and separate from the braid next to it. The difference for me is I will be wrapping my BRAIDED hair. I don't want to wrap my loose hair.

I found this tutorial linked below by this beautiful, Tanzanian woman named Glory Mtuy who lives in Taiwan with her husband and child.

 

[Napp]

I tried to straighten my hair for a trim and it just poofed out on me. I was really annoyed but what did i expect in this humid summer. Thinking about going to a professional and getting a trim and starting all over. it has been a year since i had a trim and since i stopped bunning my ends have gotten raggedy

 

[Lylddlebit]

I’m losing less hair when I detangle before or during washing… I guess that is some progress. But my hair is still as lopsided as ever; I’m probably going to keep it in buns and updos for the rest of my life, .

Also, I have a useful tip for anyone who might use those spray-on temporary hair colors: wear a mask when spraying the color onto the hair, especially if you have seasonal allergies that make you sneeze and blow your nose often, and particularly if you use real handkerchiefs.

That is great progress. Most sabotage takes place during the detangle. Keep it going! A great detangle regimen is foundational.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I was going to try to go this and next week without washing my hair. But, my hair is matted in the back near the nape. So, I think I will wash my hair this weekend.

Yeah keeping it damp feels fantastic but the matting will sneak up on ya. I try to compromise with finger detangling and wide tooth tools like the Kamalaje tools or very wide tooth combs on each wash day and I save through detangling for once a month if I keep my hair damp and natural. That prevents the matting pretty well. Because if I go 2+ weeks without detailing natural hair I feel like I am playing with a jack in the box lol...don't know which crank/wash day will pop up and get me with matting.

 

[Chicoro]

Yeah keeping it damp feels fantastic but the matting will sneak up on ya. I try to compromise with finger detangling and wide tooth tools like the Kamalaje tools or very wide tooth combs on each wash day and I save through detangling for once a month if I keep my hair damp and natural. That prevents the matting pretty well. Because if I go 2+ weeks without detailing natural hair I feel like I am playing with a jack in the box lol...don't know which crank/wash day will pop up and get me with matting.

You always have a great purview regarding issues with your hair and seem to be familiar with and prepared for issues that may arise. I feel like this issue is a surprise for me and just popped up. But that's okay! It's time to face it and address it. It's just part of realizing that the more you know, the more you realize what you don't know - in my particular case.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I tried to straighten my hair for a trim and it just poofed out on me. I was really annoyed but what did i expect in this humid summer. Thinking about going to a professional and getting a trim and starting all over. it has been a year since i had a trim and since i stopped bunning my ends have gotten raggedy

A quality press IS capable of remaining sleek in very humid weather. I Iive in a hot and humid region and used to travel a lot . If you hard press your hair with anti-humectants you can get a press that withstands humidity extremely well.

 

[Chicoro]

A quality press IS capable of remaining sleek in very humid weather. I Iive in a hot and humid region and used to travel a lot . If you hard press your hair with anti-humectants you can get a press that withstands humidity extremely well.

Can you go over your process with us, please? Your pre process, your products? How do you do your hard press?

 

[Chicoro]

A quality press IS capable of remaining sleek in very humid weather. I Iive in a hot and humid region and used to travel a lot . If you hard press your hair with anti-humectants you can get a press that withstands humidity extremely well.

The key for me is to get ALL GREASE out of my hair. That means stripping out the butters, the vaseline the leave in products, etc. I CANNOT do it in one wash. I personally have to prepare at least two days in advance for a good, hard press. That means I wash my hair day one and use a light conditioner like Suave or something. Then gently style my hair to let it dry. I do not put in any leave ins. Then, I wash again the next day and use light conditioner and let it dry. On day three I will wash and use a light conditioner and maybe a serum and then blow dry and press.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Can you go over your process with us, please? Your pre process, your products? How do you do your hard press?

I will come back wit a more detailed response.

 

[Chicoro]

I will come back wit a more detailed response.

This gone be good!







​

 

[Lylddlebit]

Sorry for the delay ladies. Busy week. Here is my typical straightening regimen.

I hope this is not too redundant of other pressing posts but I will lay out my process.

1. I put my hair in sections before I wash it.
   1. Typically 4-8 sections braided or in bantu knots. This helps me reduce tangles and move efficiently.
   2. Sectioning my hair helps me determine if it is tangled. Most of the time it isn't.
   3. If it is tangled I dampen it with an aerosolized spray bottle with aloe vera/acv mix it or plain water and detangle before washing it. This is to prevent the tangles from becoming matting while washing.
2. I wet down my hair fully under running water.
3. Then I start at the front and move clockwise to each section.
4. I wash my hair with clarifying shampoo every time I press my hair.
   1. In most circumstances clarifying once is enough to remove build up even if that first wash doesn't have a lather. This is typically the case, even if I have gone 2-6 months without clarifying.
   2. Every now and then a particular product will give me build up that is abnormal. This doesn't usually happen for me with butters or oils but can happen with heavy gels or hair pastes. When that happens, I will clarify twice making sure the second clarifying wash has a lather and that will do the job.
   3. When I wash my hair, I rub shampoo into the scalp with my fingertips then smooth down the length in a praying hands fashion . This smoothing motions does very well to remove shedded hairs without breakage and also keeps my hair pretty well stretched to prevent tangles. I just go clockwise around my head in each of my sections until I finish.
   4. I want to emphasize that I don't just wash then rinse out right away. When I apply shampoo to each section and smooth it in then put my hair in the bantu knot with the shampoo still in there. The shampoo stays in that section until I have applied it to every section, then I move to the next phase: rinsing and applying a nourishing/moisturizing or smoothing shampoo.
   5. Right now I am using up my stash of Rusk Clarify Shampoo - Rosemary & Quillaja detoxifying shampoo. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued for several years now. Once I run out I will switch to the Kenra Clarifying one or another brand that does the job. I haven't used a clarifying shampoo that didn't work.
5. After clarifying, I always follow up with a moisturizing, nourishing or smoothing shampoo. I prefer moisturizing products, but I don't have issues using smoothing shampoos instead.
   1. When I get ready for the moisturizing, nourishing or smoothing shampoo the clarifying shampoo is still in the section. I take a section and rinse thoroughly with the smoothing motion. I rub my scalp with the pads of my fingers and smooth the water down my hair so it stays reasonably stretched and shed hair slips out.
   2. Right after rinsing, I put a bit of shampoo on my scalp of that section smooth down the length again and put it back up unto a bantu knot with the moisturizing, nourishing or smoothing shampoo still applied before moving to the next section clock wise util I have applied the second shampoo to all the sections.
   3. Right now I am using up my remaining Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy Shampoo (this is a different version of the Ultimate Reset that is sold now. The one I use is discontinued). I alternate using that or the AG Balance shampoo currently.
6. Next I apply my deep conditioner
   1. I pull the section down, rinse out the shampoo while rubbing my scalp with the tips of my fingers and smooth the water down the length. Once the shampoo is rinsed out of that section I apply deep conditioner like I am greasing my scalp but I don't put it on my scalp. I put it close to the root and smooth it down like I smoothed in the previous steps. In this step I will add raking and finger detangling instead of just smoothing. After I rake/smooth/finger detangle the condition into my strands thoroughly and make sure the section is saturated with deep conditioner, then I put that section back up in a bantu knot(with the conditioner still applied).
   2. Sometimes I steam for the 20-30 minutes it takes for the steamer to cycle through or sit under a hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes but that isn't required. I do it when I use a deep conditioner that isn't great and I want to give it a boost. I do that when my hair is drier than usual. I do the steamer/hooded dryer step if I apply some essential oils like lavender, clary sage and rosemary blend(there are a lot of hair stimulating essential oils that can be used) and want the spa experience.
   3. If I am washing my hair late or I am tired I just put on a shower cap and a scarf and let the conditioner stay in overnight, in preparation of washing out in the morning. I don't do that for a deeper condition or anything, but it allows me to pause and finish comfortably.
   4. Right now I am using up my Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy mask stash (this is a different version of the Ultimate Reset that is sold now the one I use is discontinued) I also use the Oribe Moisture and control Conditioner in the liter bottle on some wash days. The Oribe conditioner is thick like a mask also, but it is no longer sold on the Oribe site(although they have alternatives that I have not tried for comparison). I recently tried the AG Snow Mushroom mask and enjoyed it, that may be my next, standard, deep conditioner that isn't discontinued.
7. After I deep condition, I take down each section and detangle with my Felicia Leatherwood brush, then put each section back up in a bantu knot. At this point hardly any hair is in my detangling tool because hair that was truly shed hair rinsed out in the steps prior by the smoothing description I described above. So when I use a tool I am throughly detangling.
8. I rinse the conditioner out of each section under the water stream while smoothing or raking the detangle tool throughly. After that, I put it back up, in a bantu knot.

It my seem like the steps above would take a long time, but it usually takes about 35-40 minutes when I don't sit under the steamer or dryer during the deep conditioner step. If I do sit under the steamer or dryer, it takes about an hour do to all the steps above.

Once my hair is clean and deep conditioned, the steps depend on the tool I use to stretch an dry. I will describe what I use most often here. My Revair and my flat iron.

1. I Reviar hair that is still very wet and I stretch hair from nape towards the crown(in that order)
   1. I take down a bantu knot run the Felecia leatherwood brush or a medium tooth comb through the section then stretch it with the Revair. If my hair dried out and it not still wet(as opposed to damp), I rewet it with an aerosolized water bottle, because the Revair stretches better on wet hair by "setting it straight", pun intended. It stretches hair more efficiently that goes from wet to dry, instead of damp to dry.
   2. When I Revair, I run the mouth of the wand on my scalp in sections that are no bigger than the mouth of the wand
   3. It only takes about 20 minutes to Rev my entire head.
   4. After I Rev, I apply my protectant (sometimes using heat protectants before Revair can decrease the lifespan of the wand).
   5. I apply a nickel size amount is serum or cream to each quadrant of my hair when using on most product liquids/creams. There are some exceptions like Sabino Moisture block where I use less because it is super thick, but a nickel per quadrant is usually the right ratio for my hair.
      1. I like Chi Iron Silk Infusion as my serum. I also like Crack Leave-in Hair Fix. Alterna 10 in 1 used to be a staple but they changed the packaging and the name to Replenishing CC cream. I do not know if the new one works as well. I only need one protectant per wash day when I use a serum or cream.
      2. After I apply the heat protectant, I comb it through each section with a medium tooth comb and make sure the protectant was spread all over and not missing spots. I should feel a slight film of product as I section and comb it through.
2. When I am ready to press, I part my hair from ear to ear and clip the top up and out of the way then, starting at the nape, I part my hair in horizontal sections that are about 1 centimeter wide and press in section from the nape to the ear-to-ear parting.
   1. I can hard press my hair on any temperature between 400 and 450, but a lot of the times I just default to 450. If the is closer to 400 I can get similar results with a slower pass.
   2. I make sure the width of the section is not wider than the hot plates.
   3. Sometimes I tap my roots but that is just an old school habit, it is not required for smooth roots.
   4. I do not always use the chase method. It works and I do use it fine, but sometimes I just use a fine tooth rattail comb, to comb through the piece before I flat iron it and that works to keep strands separated and tangle free. Other times, I use a fine tooth comb for the chase method.
      1. If a fine tooth comb cannot past through my hair efficiently without it breaking off and snagging, then I do not press my hair because it is not detangled thoroughly enough.
   5. Seamless combs are really important. If the comb attachment on your blow dryer or the comb you use to style your is not seamless it will be rougher on the hair stands and cause more breakage/split ends over time than seamless combs will.
   6. I use the end of rattail combs to part quickly, use an alligator or duck bill clip to pin up the hair in the section I am in the process of pressing but not specifically being pressed in that moment. I use hair clamp to keep the top section out of the way before I start pressing that section.
   7. I press in an even, fluid stroke and apply tension to the plates by gripping the hair firmly beween them.
   8. 1 pass per section.
   9. Once I finish the back of my hair to the ear-to ear-parting, I begin parting at the temples. On each side, I press from temple to crown(I just part a pice on the left side then part a piece on the right side, then comb through and press each side until I finish at the crown).
3. It usually takes an hour to press my hair while watching tv or listening to music.

Wash to press is just under 2 and a half hours, if I used the steamer or hooded dryer in deep conditioning. It is just under 2 hours if I don't use the steamer or hooded dryer for deep conditioning. I personally use heat 400+, small sections and even tension for my hard presses with a flat iron. I use lower heat and larger sections for softer presses. There are many other ways that work.

 

[Chicoro]

Sorry for the delay ladies. Busy week. Here is typical straightening regimen for me.

I hope this is not too redundant of other pressing posts but I will lay out my process.

1. I put my hair in sections before I wash it.
   1. Typically 4-8 sections braided or in bantu knots. This helps me reduce tangles and move efficiently.
   2. Sectioning my hair helps me determine if it is tangled. Most of the time it isn't.
   3. If it is tangled I dampen it with an aerosolized spray bottle with aloe vera in it or water and detangle before washing it. This is to prevent the tangles from becoming matting while washing.
2. I wet down my hair fully under running water.
3. Then I start at the front and move counter clock wise to each section.
4. I wash my hair with clarifying shampoo every time I press my hair.
   1. In most circumstances clarifying once is enough to remove build up even if that first wash doesn't have a lather. This is typically the case, even if I have gone 2-6 months without clarifying.
   2. Every now and then a particular product will give me build up that is abnormal. This doesn't usually happen for me with butters or oils but can happen with heavy gels or hair pastes. When that happens, I will clarify twice making sure the second clarifying wash has a lather and that will d the job.
   3. When I wash my hair, I rub shampoo into the scalp with my fingertips then smooth down the length in a praying hands fashion . This smoothing motions does very well to remove shedded hairs without breakage and also keep my hair pretty well stretched and prevent tangles. I just go clockwise around my head in each of my sections until I finish.
   4. I want to emphasize that I don't just wash then rinse out right away. When I apply shampoo to each section an smooth it in then put my hair in the bantu knot with the shampoo still in there. The shampoo stays in that section until I have applied it to every section then I move to the next phase.
   5. Right now I am using up my stash of Rusk Clarify Shampoo - Rosemary & Quillaja detoxifying shampoo. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued for several years now. Once I run out I will switch to the Kenra Clarifying one or another brand that does the job. I haven't used a clarifying shampoo that didn't work.
5. After clarifying, I always follow up with a moisturizing, nourishing or smoothing shampoo. I prefer moisturizing products, but I don't have issues using smoothing shampoos instead.
   1. When I get ready for the moisturizing, nourishing or smoothing shampoo the clarifying shampoo is still in the section. So one-by-one I take each section down and rinse throughly. I rub my scalp with the pads of my fingers and smooth the water down my hair so it stays reasonably stretched and shed hair slips out.
   2. Right after rinsing, I put a bit of shampoo on my scalp of that section smooth down the length again and put it back up unto a bantu knot with the moisturizing, nourishing or smoothing shampoo still applied before moving to the next section.
   3. Right now I am using up my remaining Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy Shampoo (this is a different version of the Ultimate Reset that is sold now. The one I use is discontinued). I alternate using that or the AG Balance shampoo currently.
6. Next I apply my deep conditioner
   1. I pull the section down, rinse out the shampoo while rubbing my scalp with the tips of my fingers and smooth the water down the length. Once the shampoo is rinsed out of that section I apply deep conditioner like I am greasing my scalp but I don't put it on my scalp. I put it close to the root and smooth it down like I smoothed in the previous steps. In this step I will add raking and finger detangling instead of just smoothing. After I rake/smooth/finger detangle the condition into my strands thoroughly, I put that section back up in a bantu knot.
   2. Sometimes I steam for the 20-30 minutes it takes for the steamer to cylce through or sit under a hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes but that isn't required. I do it when I use a deep conditioner that isn't great and I want to give it a boost. I do that when my hair is drier than usual. I do the steamer/hooded dryer step if I apply some essential oils like lavender, clary sage and rosemary blend and want the spa experience.
   3. If I am washing my hair late or I am tired I just put on a shower cap and a scarf and let the conditioner stay in overnight and wash out in the morning. I don't do that for a deeper condition or anything.
   4. Right now I am using up my Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy mask stash (this is a different version of the Ultimate Reset that is sold now the one I use is discontinued) I also use the Oribe Moisture and control Conditioner in the liter bottle. The Oribe conditioner is thick like a mask also, bit it is no longer sold on the Oribe site(although they have alternatives that I have not tried for comparison). I recently tired the AG Snow Mushroom mask and enjoyed it.
7. After I deep condition, I take down each section and detangle with my Felicia Leatherwood brush then put each section back up in a bantu knot. At this point hardly any hair is in my detangling tool because hair that was truly shed hair rinsed out into my hair catches i the steps prior with the smoothing and now I am throughly detangling for stretching and straightening.
8. I rinse the conditioner out of each section under the water stream and put it back up in a bantu knot

It my seem like the steps above would take a long time, but it usually takes about 35-40 minutes when I don't sit under the steamer or dryer during the deep conditioner steps. If I do sit under the steamer or dryer, it takes about an hour do to all the steps above.

Once my hair is clean and deep conditioned the steps depend on the tool I use to stretch an dry. I will describe what I use most often here. My Revair and my flat iron.

1. I Reviar hair that is still very wet. and I stretch hair from nape to crown
   1. I take down a bantu knot run the Felecia leatherwood comb or a medium toothed comb through the section then stretch it with the Revair. If y hair dried out and it not still wet(as opposed to damp) I rewet it because the Revair stretches better on wet hair by "setting it straight", pun intended, than it does on hair that is almost dry).
   2. When I Revair, I run the mouth of the wand on my scalp in sections that are no bigger than the mouth of the wand
   3. It only takes about 20 minutes to Rev my entire head.
   4. After I Rev I apply my protectant (sometimes using heat protectants before revair can decrease the lifespan of the wand).
   5. I apply a nickel size amount is serum or cream to each quadrant of my hair when using on most product liquids/creams. There are some exceptions like Sabino Moisture block where I use less because it is super thick, but a nickel per quadrant is usually the right ratio for my hair.
      1. I like Chi Iron Silk Infusion as my serum. I also like Crack Leave-in Hair Fix, Alterna 10 in 1 used to be a staple but they changed the packaging and the name to Replenishing CC cream. I do not know if the new one works as well.
      2. After I apply the heat protectant, I comb it through each section with a medium toothed comb.
2. When I am ready to press, I part my hair from ear to ear and clip the top up and out of the way then, starting at the nape I part my hair in horizontal sections that are about 1 centimeter wide and press in section from the nape to the ear-to-ear parting.
   1. I can hard press my hair on any temperature between 400 and 450, but a lot of the times I just default to 450. if it is closer to 400 I can get similar results with a slower pass.
   2. I make sure the with of the section is not wider than the hot plates.
   3. Sometimes I tap my roots but that is just an old school habit, it is not required for smooth roots.
   4. I do not always use the chase method. It works and I do use it fine, but sometimes I just use a fine tooth rat tail comb to comb through the piece before I flat iron it. Other times I use a fine tooth comb in the case method.
   5. Seamless combs are really important. If the comb attachment on your blow dryer or the comb you use to style your is not seamless it will be rougher on the hair and cause more breakage that seamless combs will.
   6. I use the end of rat tail combs to part quickly, use an alligator clip to pin up the hair not being pressed and straighten each section.
   7. I press in an even, fluid stroke and apply tension to the plates by gripping the hair firmly beween them.
   8. 1 pass per section.
   9. Once I finish the back of my hair to the ear-to ear-parting. I begin parting at the temples. On each side I press from temple to crown.
3. It usually takes an hour to press my hair while watching tv or listening to music.

Wash to press is just under 2 and a half hours, if I used the steamer or hooded dryer in deep conditioning. It is just under 2 hours if I don't use the steamer or hooded dryer for deep conditioning. I personally use heat 400+, small sections and even tension for my hard presses with a flat iron. I use lower heat and larger sections for softer presses. There are many of other ways that work.

Thank you for this Treasure Trove of knowledge right here!!!!!

 

[Chicoro]

Ends are great!

But, roots were matted at the very back in a very small section.



I clarified my hair for the first time since I started using clay in my hair. It's been at least 6 months. BEFORE I even got started, I'm am still amazed that even my shed hair felt like butter, softer than cotton and not mushy . My hair is so buttery soft from the clays I use to cleanse! I used the yellow, Le Petit Marsellais product that is pictured above because it was inexpensive at about 1.50 Euros for the bottle. It didn't seem to strip or tramautize my hair. I enjoyed using it.

I followed up with a moisturizing shampoo having recently read and studied and copied the clarifying process of @Lylddlebit in the above post #776.

For the moisturizing shampoo I used L'Oreal Elseve Huile Extraordinaire Plus Qu'un Shampooing (translated: More than just a shampoo). I paid about 5 Euros for the product. It was creamy just like KeraCare but at the lower price point. It left my hair wonderfully moisturized and I liked the overly, perfumed smell.

Also, there are NO black beauty supply stores in town. It costs me about 30 bucks JUST to get to town so I have sought out alternatives and options at the grocery store in my little town. I can use that 30 Euros for something else, for me!

They have a buy 2 and get 1 free sale for the Elseve Huile Extraodinaire Mask and I plan to take advantage of that.

My Ends were safely esconced, beautifully protected and well moisturized. There was not a single tangle, no fuzziness, no matting, no brillo ends in sight as it pertained to my hair ends. THAT is success because it has been at least three (3) weeks since I did my hair.

The new challenge is to minimize the tangles at the roots or top of my braid, as the [loosened hair strands maybe] hair is starting to intertwine and make the braids join together. My hair was really matted in the back, in a small section. I had to detangle over two (2) days. I don't sleep in a bonnet or scarf. I try to, but it never stays on so I just stopped making the effort.

This weekend, I forgot to pick up black yarn to wrap my hair and braids. It is on my list for the week. This will be my next experiment to see it it helps me to minimize the matting of the braids in the back. I am excited to try it!

Afro-textured hair is no joke and knowledge and care of it can be deep and multi-layered. I thought I was an expert on my own hair. I continue to be quietly reminded and gently humbled that there is ALWAYS something more and new for me to learn not only about afro- hair in general, but even about MY OWN hair!

 

[Chicoro]

We are solidly two feet in the month of July 2023!

How is everyone doing with their Healthy Hair Ends Journey thus far?




We've got lots of AHA's and Realizations and New Product tries up in here.





We are officially at the Halfway Mark!​

 

[Chicoro]

Aftermath of Clarifying:

I completely removed any buildup I had on my hair and can clearly see my hair. My ends look GREAT! Normally, I have white lent trapped and wrapped around split ends on the ends of my hair, throughout my head. But that is not the case this time around. I have a few knots and splits but I had to seriously hunt and look for them. The one caveat is that my ends are not thick, full and even. I have lots of scraggly hairs at different lengths. Usually, I would have lots of scraggly hair full of splits, knots and lent. I have finally conquered this issue: I have a successfully, working solution for me ends.

Next step: Thickening up the ends of my hair.