Nail Your Regimen Challenge 2014

[BranwenRosewood]

I relaxed again 5 months post BC. I used the Kids Organics Relaxer by Africa's Best and added Safflower Oil to it. I did my whole head at one time since it was flatironed and my hair is only NL. I think it took me five minutes to apply it and I left it on for another five minutes.

After I rinsed I did the midstep protein with a spray bottle that had water, safflower oil and phytokeratin in it since I don't have any protein conditioners. I used the shampoo that came with the relaxer twice and then I followed with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo. I DC'd with a Coffee Conditioner I made that I added some glycerin and honey powder to since it wasn't moisturizing enough on it's own. I DC'd with heat for 25 min and without heat for another 30 min. After I rinsed out the DC I used PBN Murumuru Moisture Milk and sealed with PBN Cupuacu Butter. I let my hair airdry and it feels soft and moisturized. I haven't had truly moisturized hair in months. The relaxer took out more texture than I initially wanted but I'm happy with my results. I plan to stretch for 3-6 months.

I hope my (non-existent) regimen doesn't have to change to much. I still haven't started tea rinsing like I planned but I've been sick of my hair these last few weeks so I was only doing the bare minimum.

 

[spellinto]

I told myself I wasn't going to buy any more cosmetic/hair products until March...but this was an emergency! My hair was SO dry, my roots were super frizzy and poofy, and ends were starting to feel prickly, even though I had just dusted. I suspected that my staple DC wasn't having as moisturizing for my 11 wks post hair, so I picked up the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask at CVS. I already loved the leave-in, so I decided to give the DC a shot.

Mind you, this is my impression only after one use; it's not set in stone & subject to change. (Also note, I did not use a shampoo prior to DCing.) That said...I am already floored by this conditioner! I had one of those coveted moments where relaxed ladies say, "My new growth just ~melted!~" or "My hair feel like BUTTAH!" That is exactly how I would describe my roots after using this. My relaxed hair felt great too, but I was so impressed that it left my thick new growth unbelievably soft. I wouldn't say this product has amazing, super-fantastic slip, but it provided so much moisture that detangling my new growth would have taken half the effort (had I actually detangled today).

My hair felt so nice while airdrying, and just as nice when I applied the NTM leave in and sealed with oil. Hours later, my hair felt soft and cool to the touch. I noticed that my roots weren't as frizzy as they look after I DC with Silk Elements. They felt very smooth and were easy to part with my fingers. So right now my hair is crosswrapped for bed. Another test will be if my strands feel as soft in the AM, and how long the moisture lasts. Again, this is just a first impression review, can't make a final judgement just yet!

 

[spellinto]

I relaxed again 5 months post BC. I used the Kids Organics Relaxer by Africa's Best and added Safflower Oil to it. I did my whole head at one time since it was flatironed and my hair is only NL. I think it took me five minutes to apply it and I left it on for another five minutes.

After I rinsed I did the midstep protein with a spray bottle that had water, safflower oil and phytokeratin in it since I don't have any protein conditioners. I used the shampoo that came with the relaxer twice and then I followed with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo. I DC'd with a Coffee Conditioner I made that I added some glycerin and honey powder to since it wasn't moisturizing enough on it's own. I DC'd with heat for 25 min and without heat for another 30 min. After I rinsed out the DC I used PBN Murumuru Moisture Milk and sealed with PBN Cupuacu Butter. I let my hair airdry and it feels soft and moisturized. I haven't had truly moisturized hair in months. The relaxer took out more texture than I initially wanted but I'm happy with my results. I plan to stretch for 3-6 months.

I hope my (non-existent) regimen doesn't have to change to much. I still haven't started tea rinsing like I planned but I've been sick of my hair these last few weeks so I was only doing the bare minimum.

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Wow, you relaxed after 5 months as a natural! I'm glad to hear your relaxer process went well

 

[alanaturelle]

My experiment with just the coconut oil didn't work that well. After my wash, my hair was drier than it's used to be. So coconut milk is a must.

 

[BranwenRosewood]

Wow, you relaxed after 5 months as a natural! I'm glad to hear your relaxer process went well

spellinto

Thanks! This was my second time being natural but the first time while on my HHJ. I think it was easier the first time because I didn't pay that much attention to my hair and I didn't know I was doing anything wrong. I lasted almost 3 years the first time but didn't retain length due to splits. My hair was at it's best when I was relaxed so I'm trying again.

 

[spellinto]

spellinto

Thanks! This was my second time being natural but the first time while on my HHJ. I think it was easier the first time because I didn't pay that much attention to my hair and I didn't know I was doing anything wrong. I lasted almost 3 years the first time but didn't retain length due to splits. My hair was at it's best when I was relaxed so I'm trying again.

^ I know what that's like. Ignorance is such bliss lol! It's great that you're trying again, taking another look at your hair and what works for you. I wish you the best of luck as a relaxed lady!

 

[MarieB]

I originally hosted this in 2011 and after a set back have had to start all over.

Let's nail our regimens in 2014.


Tell us About You
Natural - Relaxed – Texturized/Texlaxed - Transitioning: natural
Current Length:between SL and APL as far as I can tell
Current Products: VO5 conditioners as cowash, Noodle Head Leave-in conditioner, EcoStyler Gel, Argan Oil as needed
Current Techniques:Cowash every 2-3 days, shampoo and DC about twice a month, braid-outs overnight
What in your regimen are trying to nail: trying to keep things as simple as possible--making DC's a weekly thing
What's your starting strategy:staying the course
Anything else you want to share: I managed to transition without BCing by keeping it simple, so I will try to avoid doing too much with my natural hair


***Check in weekly/monthly to update us on your progress.

Good luck, everyone!

 

[PJaye]

Another Update:

Several months ago, I straightened my hair and gave myself a nice, deep trim (~ 4 inches), so I can check that off my list of things to do.

I’ve kicked pre-pooing out of my regimen altogether. After much experimentation, I’ve discovered that it is of no benefit to my hair unless I am doing an oil rinse; which is unnecessary since I add oils to all of my conditioners. Still, if I ever need a proven method for moisturized detangling, I know that oil rinsing has got my back.

Herbal rinses have also shown itself to be a consuming waste of time, so it’s also been kicked to the curb. In the past, I experienced better results from using essential oils, so I will be returning to them once I’ve whittled down my obscene stash of oil.

Replacing my weekly shampoo with the SSI Blueberry Cowash has been a godsend – ridiculously easy detangling with less breakage and shedding. I absolutely cannot ask for more than that. (I really need to reach out to the proprietor of SSI to let her know how much I adore her products.)

I’m pleased to announce that my straightening technique has been perfected. Using the right products in the right order alongside the right tools has been producing excellent results. I now know what to do and how to do it, and the formula does not include blow drying or rollersetting. Thank goodness! I’ve also discovered detangling on my straightened hair to be a non-issue, and another item I can scratch off my original to-do list.

I’ve stumbled upon an unexpected treat – butters! Before, every butter I had ever encountered made my hair hard, dull and greasy. Now, they’ve become a nice alternative sealant that produces soft, moisturized, non-greasy hair. Thus far, I’ve only used SSI’s Kiwi Kiss and Seyani, and Kyra’s Sweet Mango with great success. However, my inner PJ demands that I sample many others from various product lines…in the name of science for research purposes.

As a result, my current routine has been shortened to:
- Clarifying with Elucence Acidifying (~ once every month)
- Co-washing using SSI Blueberry; detangling and removing shed hairs
- Protein Treatment (as needed)
- DCing (for an extended period of time without heat)
- Finishing (creamy, water-based leave-in + a sealant using my personal oil mixture/a butter)
- Mid-Week Refresher (dampen, apply a creamy leave-in/butter; if straightened, apply a light coating of butter)

Thanks to faithVA, this thread and all it’s participants, I’ve successfully nailed down and simplified my regimen.

 

[MileHighDiva]

PJaye

What is your perfected straightening technique that doesn't involve blow dryers?

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[faithVA]

Another Update:

Several months ago, I straightened my hair and gave myself a nice, deep trim (~ 4 inches), so I can check that off my list of things to do.

I’ve kicked pre-pooing out of my regimen altogether. After much experimentation, I’ve discovered that it is of no benefit to my hair unless I am doing an oil rinse; which is unnecessary since I add oils to all of my conditioners. Still, if I ever need a proven method for moisturized detangling, I know that oil rinsing has got my back.

Herbal rinses have also shown itself to be a consuming waste of time, so it’s also been kicked to the curb. In the past, I experienced better results from using essential oils, so I will be returning to them once I’ve whittled down my obscene stash of oil.

Replacing my weekly shampoo with the SSI Blueberry Cowash has been a godsend – ridiculously easy detangling with less breakage and shedding. I absolutely cannot ask for more than that. (I really need to reach out to the proprietor of SSI to let her know how much I adore her products.)

I’m pleased to announce that my straightening technique has been perfected. Using the right products in the right order alongside the right tools has been producing excellent results. I now know what to do and how to do it, and the formula does not include blow drying or rollersetting. Thank goodness! I’ve also discovered detangling on my straightened hair to be a non-issue, and another item I can scratch off my original to-do list.

I’ve stumbled upon an unexpected treat – butters! Before, every butter I had ever encountered made my hair hard, dull and greasy. Now, they’ve become a nice alternative sealant that produces soft, moisturized, non-greasy hair. Thus far, I’ve only used SSI’s Kiwi Kiss and Seyani, and Kyra’s Sweet Mango with great success. However, my inner PJ demands that I sample many others from various product lines…in the name of science for research purposes.

As a result, my current routine has been shortened to:
- Clarifying with Elucence Acidifying (~ once every month)
- Co-washing using SSI Blueberry; detangling and removing shed hairs
- Protein Treatment (as needed)
- DCing (for an extended period of time without heat)
- Finishing (creamy, water-based leave-in + a sealant using my personal oil mixture/a butter)
- Mid-Week Refresher (dampen, apply a creamy leave-in/butter; if straightened, apply a light coating of butter)

Thanks to faithVA, this thread and all it’s participants, I’ve successfully nailed down and simplified my regimen.

It sounds like you have definitely created a great, simple regimen. Congratulations.

 

[snoop]

I pre-pooed with a paste of slippery elm and marshmallow root for the first time. I loved the slip this gave me. It cut my hair time in half and my hair was fully detangled rinsing it out. I need to figure out how much to put in the mixture. I used a tablespoon of each and it coagulated. I think I need less powder and more water.

I see a lot of people mention these two. Are they good for moisturizing as well? Where did you get them?

 

[PJaye]

PJaye

What is your perfected straightening technique that doesn't involve blow dryers?

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

MileHighDiva

In a nutshell, my routine is as follows:

- Shampoo
- Detangle
- DC with an ultra rich, protein-free moisturizing conditioner for an extended period of time
- Apply a light coating of leave-in that has a lot of slip (SSI Buruti)
- Detangle thoroughly
- Seal with a light coating of grapeseed oil
- Section into 6 braids and air dry
- Spray dried hair with Tresseme Heat Tamer – let dry
- Flatiron at 370 in small sections using the comb chase method while lifting each section (e.g., instead of flatironing in a downward motion, I lift the section of hair up similar to how one would hold it before applying a roller while rollersetting. This enables me to straighten my roots more thoroughly.)

One of the most important factors to perfecting my technique was getting rid of my fear of heat damage. IMO, fear holds you hostage and impedes upon your performance. I had to stop over-analyzing and researching, and just do the damn thing.

The other key factors are: (1) an abundance of moisture from my DC; (2) a light application of finishing products; (3) stretching and air drying; (4) unearthing the best thermal protector for your hair. I cannot stress the importance of numbers 1 and 2 because they facilitate the best, most long-lasting straightening results. Less truly is more in this instance. Blow drying my wet/damp hair is out; I knew that going in, but I wanted to be sure of my decision. Besides, stretching and air drying gives me the same effect as blow drying – elongated dry hair. Plus, after years of mediocre outcomes using serums (although the best I’ve ever used was Redken Heat Glide), I discovered that sprays produce better results.

So, that’s my routine in a rather longwinded nutshell.

 

[PJaye]

It sounds like you have definitely created a great, simple regimen. Congratulations.

Thank you! Now, I can keep reading and sending out positive vibes as I cheer everyone else on.

 

[MileHighDiva]

PJaye

Thanks for the detailed breakdown! You know I gave myself heat damage last year.

Not sure, if it was the Feb, April, or a cumulative effect of both sessions. Both times I used serums and you know I'm heavy handed.

The only thing that saved me from a major setback, was that at the time I was transitioning, so the damaged hair got trimmed away with the relaxed ends.

In the future, I'll try your method. Especially, #2.

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[faithVA]

Here is my curlformer set from Valentine's Day weekend. I didn't get decent pictures when I separated the curls. I was running late and trying to take pictures on the run.

My set gets a little better each time I do it. Hopefully, when I get some length, I will be able to wear it all week.

 

[alanaturelle]

Here is my curlformer set from Valentine's Day weekend. I didn't get decent pictures when I separated the curls. I was running late and trying to take pictures on the run.

My set gets a little better each time I do it. Hopefully, when I get some length, I will be able to wear it all week.

It looks really nice and the curls are very defined.

 

[faithVA]

It looks really nice and the curls are very defined.

Thank you. Hopefully each month will get better.

 

[Beany]

So I'm gonna keep this flat twisted updo for another week. I've been spraying marshmallow tea and baggying the last two nights and oiling my scalp every other day. Hopefully when I take it down my hair isn't super dry. This weather though...

I also need to find a spray bottle with a finer mist, might swing by Sally's tomorrow

 

[spellinto]

Last night I spritzed my new growth LIGHTLY with water. I usually turn to my Just For Me leave in but my hair felt a bit coated with product after my last use. I was a cautious about hydrating my roots with water because in the past, my roots would mat if I applied water and product before styling. This time I just spritzed a little water at a time, making sure to massage it in thoroughly, before applying my Africa's Best Herbal Oil to seal. My hair was not damp or wet at all when I was finished. Today as I take down my crosswrap, my new growth feels very smooth and moisturized, with no frizz! If I continue to do this and get consistent results, I may incorporate this as a part of my regimen.

Update on the NTM Deep Recovery Mask: my hair has been soft the entire week, especially at the roots! The softness began to wane a little towards the end of the week (it's time for another DC) but I'm still really impressed with how long my hair retained the moisture. I plan on using it again this weekend and looking for consistent results.

 

[faithVA]

So I'm gonna keep this flat twisted updo for another week. I've been spraying marshmallow tea and baggying the last two nights and oiling my scalp every other day. Hopefully when I take it down my hair isn't super dry. This weather though...

I also need to find a spray bottle with a finer mist, might swing by Sally's tomorrow

I've been doing the same thing. I have been misting with my tea spritz and sealing with hazelnut. I took mine out this morning though and wearing a puff.

Try the spray bottles at Sally's that have the color topsink, green, orange. Those are the only ones I found that have a good adjustment. But if you find another type let me know.

I found that none have fine mist if you use anything heavier than tea Not sure why that is.

 

[snoop]

My hair is in two strand twists right now. This morning I noticed that every one of my parts is surrounded by short hairs (2-5 in long). I'm not sure why. I need to figure out if this is new growth or damage.

I also need to get some moisturizer ASAP. I ran out two weeks ago and I think my hair is suffering for it! It feels so dry, but it could also be because we've gone back into freezing temperatures.

I think that this weekend I will do a DC with mud (missed that last week). Will probably do this tomorrow instead of Sunday so that I can do a proper detangling session, rollerset and a decent twist out style.

 

[alanaturelle]

Pre-pooing overnight with coconut oil and milk mix. I've also added a little bit of conditioner for some slip.

 

[uofmpanther]

Here is my curlformer set from Valentine's Day weekend. I didn't get decent pictures when I separated the curls. I was running late and trying to take pictures on the run.

My set gets a little better each time I do it. Hopefully, when I get some length, I will be able to wear it all week.

It looks good. Are you still using curl cream to set?

 

[faithVA]

It looks good. Are you still using curl cream to set?

Thank you uofmpanther. No I have started using natural oasis products and just using a tea blend to set.

 

[faithVA]

Things are getting better. I completely my wash day yesterday at 1 am. But today my hair is soft, moisturized and curly. I am glad to finally have some progress. Here are the results of my latest curlformer set.

 

[tashboog]

Things are getting better. I completely my wash day yesterday at 1 am. But today my hair is soft, moisturized and curly. I am glad to finally have some progress. Here are the results of my latest curlformer set.

I think your hair turned out great! In fact, I think that's your best set thus far . Good job lady!

 

[faithVA]

I think your hair turned out great! In fact, I think that's your best set thus far . Good job lady!

Thank You tashboog I think you are right. It is my best one yet.

I think it will frizz up, but I think my curls will hold

I'm already lazy though. I don't feel like pincurling it tonight It is going back up in flat twist before the end of the weekend

 

[Ogoma]

Things are turning around so early in the year. This is going to be a good one faithVA

 

[faithVA]

Ogoma[/USER];19725127]Things are turning around so early in the year. This is going to be a good one faithVA

I agree. Previously I was just optimistic based on hope. This year I think I actually have something to work with :woohoo:

Now I really need to work on my picture taking skills They are sad.

 

[snoop]

Steamed some rhassoul clay into my hair. I've now finished putting my hair in rollers, but I'm going to have to sleep on them. My hair felt thicker this time, and softer. Hoping for positive results tomorrow morning.