Nail Your Regimen Support Thread 2011

[AlliCat]

I'm pouring some likka for NTM products. They are not discontinued but they are no longer convenient to find...no where to be found at my local walmart for months now. So I'm no longer using them.

I've already found a staple moisturizer to replace silk touch: Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship leave-in. It also smells great and it's way cheaper. The only thing is it's way thicker than the NTM which I guess is a good thing because my hair loves cones. Another good HE product is the color my happy shampoo. It smells soo good. Since it is clear, contains sulfates, and no cones, I will use this to clarify. I was using Joico chelating/carifying shampoo but it's not carried at my local trade secrets anymore

I also really like One n Only argan oil products. The shampoo lathers well for a sulfate free one. And the conditioner is good for co-washes. The treatment mask is also good it contains a bit of protein (my hair loves protein with a fiery passion) yet it reminds me of Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner in consistency and softening results. The oil has been a staple of mine for a few years already...

2 products that I will use FOR-EVER are Joico K-pak and/or Apghogee 2 minute reconstructor. Like I said my hair loves protein and these work so well for softening and stopping breakage.

 

[faithVA]

Welcome Regimen Nailer Poohbear

new current regimen is shampoo, condition, detangle, blowdry on medium/low heat, and style in two-strand twists once a month.

You only are only styling once a month? How are you maintaining your twists during the month?

I need all the encouragement and support that I can get in order to achieve my hair length goals.

I am sure that is a shared sentiment for many on this thread. I am hoping when it gets challenging to stick to a regimen that we come here for support and we can help each other hang in there.

So now, I am going to try protective styling with two-strand twists to see how this routine will work for my hair.

I definitely think you can reach your hair goals with the twists. And at APL you will have quite a few styling options even when your hair is in twists. I wear micro twists a lot and they are very convenient: wrap at night, unwrap in the morning, moisturize and go.

Glad to have you!

 

[faithVA]

My Hair Week In Review:

I did a few different things to my hair, I have actually been in my hair more than I usually am, just because I wanted to experiment.

Thanks for sharing what's going on with you. Definitely get that heat under control. I want you to reach your hair goals with some healthy hair.

You are using Elasta QP butter. Have you used Shea Moisture Smoothie? Just asking because if you had, I wanted to know how you think they compare?

 

[faithVA]

I also really like One n Only argan oil products. The shampoo lathers well for a sulfate free one.

Is the shampoo thin, or creamy, or like a gel? Is it very moisturizing? or is it just non stripping. I want to try this line of products because I hear a lot of good things about it.

I am still searching for a shampoo but haven't decided which one I want to try. My choices so far ar

Elasta QP Moisturizing Shampoo
Giovanni 50/50

Still open to other options at this point.

 

[faithVA]

I did some more work on my regi this weekend and pretty pleased with my progress. I said I was going to do my 1st cowash but decided I wanted to color my hair since I have a party in 2 weeks. Maybe I am allergic to cowashing since I seem to be avoiding it.

I shampooed with my mom's Andre Walker shampoo. My hair actually came out much better than with any other shampoo I have treid so far. I let my hair dry overnight so I could color it the next day. I then used an all natural henna rinse which came out very well. I was pleased. My hair was softer and it didn't dry it out. I applied a left over conditioner I had with a Soft Sheen color kit and rinsed.

I then tried an experiment. On the left side I put Taliah Waajid conditioner on and then put coconut oil on my ends. On the right side I put the coconut oil on the ends first and then put the conditioner on top of it. Putting the oil on first helped me use less conditioner and when I rinsed I could still feel the oil on my ends but the conditioner still did its job.

I actually rinsed my hair in bantu knots. I was able to keep my hair stretched when rinsing. Not sure what helped that so going to try again to see if I can repeat this.

After my hair dryed for 30 minutes, I applied my leave in mix, coconut oil and shea moisture smoothie. I put it back up into bantu knows and sat under the heat cap for 30 minutes. My hair is very soft and moisturized.

It's going to be another 2 hours of styling into some type of updo. I'm slow.
Going to use bioinfusion olive oil shine serum as a gel, and put in flat twists that I can twists into a french twists updo.

Let's see how it goes. But I am happy with how my regimen is coming along.

 

[AlliCat]

Is the shampoo thin, or creamy, or like a gel? Is it very moisturizing? or is it just non stripping. I want to try this line of products because I hear a lot of good things about it.

I am still searching for a shampoo but haven't decided which one I want to try. My choices so far ar

Elasta QP Moisturizing Shampoo
Giovanni 50/50

Still open to other options at this point.

It's creamy and pearly. It has a pretty "standard" moisturizing shampoo consistency...but I dunno...something magical happens when it hits my hair LOL that turns in into butter...The good thing about Sally's is that you can try it and return it if you don't like Sally's has also started offering samples of the One n only line

 

[JaszG]

I'm leaving my hair alone until Tuesday. This roller set thing is going good so far. I want to get a set of caruso rollers to make it easier on myself. I also bought some new products today.

-Bumble & Bumble Deeep Conditioner
-Kinky Curly Knot today
-Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz

My hair isn't natural, but I think that those products may be really good.

 

[faithVA]

It's creamy and pearly. It has a pretty "standard" moisturizing shampoo consistency...but I dunno...something magical happens when it hits my hair LOL that turns in into butter...The good thing about Sally's is that you can try it and return it if you don't like Sally's has also started offering samples of the One n only line

Wow - thanks Allicat. I have heard really good things about the line. Thanks for the info on the samples. I'm in the use up your stash challenge, so dang not sure how I am going to swing samples.

Oh well I will figure it out.

 

[Lita]

Wash & Dc pre poo once a week/or Hot oil..


*KeraCrea sulfate free poo's
__________________________________________________________

*RedKen Dc 40min..or
*Darcy's Pumpkin seed cond 45min...or
*One-n-Only moisturizing Cond
____________________________________________________________
BF-Cond Rinse
____________________________________________________________
Nioxin #8 con as a scalp only treatment once a week 3-5min
______________________________________________________________
BF desert leave-in's or
TW leave-in or
Komaza Coconut lotion/Curl leave-in
_______________________________________________________________

Njoi Creations butters or
Avocado butter or
Shea Moisture Smoothie
________________________________________________________________

Ceramides-Rice bran,Sesame seed & Walnut oils-Seal

________________________________________________________________

Njoi Creations -Pomade or
Christine Gant -Pomade or
Natures Blessing- Pomade
_______________________________________________________________

Scalp oil-Brahmi or Mahabhringraj
JBCO-on edges....

MY WEEKLY ROUTINE-
*Pre poo/hot (Choice or mixed homemade oil) Wash with Sulfate free poo/Dc 40-45min/Nioxin#8 scalp treatment 3-5min/Rinse/Apply Leave-in/Ceramide oil/Butter or Pomade on ends/lightly oil scalp...JBCO on edges...

*Keep hair in PS.....

Happy Hair Growing!

 

[faithVA]

Ok - the day after update really tells me what part of my regimen worked.

Shampoo, Color Rinse, Conditioning, Leave in worked well.

The coconut oil, Shea Moisture smoothie under the heat cap feels fantastic for the few hours after. It feels dry the next day. I still need the water/glycerin mix to hold moisture. Maybe will try spraying it on my hair after I complete the heat cap step.

I'm not sure about the butters. I have a few butters to use up but butters make my hair look dirty. erplexed I am going to use them up but stay away from buying any creamy products and stick to gel like/clear products.

I am debating whether I need both the coconut oil and butter. I may try just the coconut oil under the heat cap and see how that works. I may then follow it up with the smoothie mixed with gel to twist it up.

The flat twist updo bombed and took it out for a twist out this morning. It's a good think I'm ok with fuzzy, curly hair.

The serum didn't have enough hold. So tonight going to mix some gel with the smoothie and retwist my hair.

Next weekend I swear I am going to try cowashing. And I need to dust my ends this month.

I still feel like I am on track and that I will have nailed my regimen by the time I am SL.

 

[cia_garces]

I am SO frustrated with my lack of consistency and not knowing what to do when I stand in front of my many products, so I'm thinking I'm going to focus less on the many challenges I'm in and focus more on nailing a regimen for where I currently am...which is 8 weeks post with 4a/b hair. Definitely not a place for the faint of heart.

Hair type: Relaxed

Current Length: Almost APL

Current Regimen: I've completely fall off the consistent reggie wagon.

Current Staples/Techniques: One thing that I am consistent with is Dcing weekly, protective styling and low manipulation styling. I dc with Joice moisture recovery, coconut oil and sunflower oil. I follow up with Giovanni direct leave in, detangle from tip to root and then ps or low mani style. I almost forgot about a HUGE staple of mine! My Tangle Teezer!!! B.K.A...my baby daddy...A.K.A....*in a Gollum voice* my precious...

What in your regimen are trying to nail: I know what products to use during the first few weeks after my relaxer, but now I want to figure out what products I need to use during my stretch. I did use Hydratherma Naturals Daily Moisturizer and that worked SO well during my last stretch but I ran out recently. I moisturized and sealed with that and JBCO, and that combo worked SO well for me, but I have no idea what to use now since I'm without it. I also want to become more consistent with taking care of my hair on a daily basis. I treat my hair so well during DC day, but it's the red-headed step child the rest of the week. I also want to figure out how not to go overboard with the leave in.

History (optional): I was relaxed up until about 2004. I was natural for two years, but since I didn't really know how to take care of my natural hair (didn't know about youtube or LHCF at the time ), I went back to a relaxer. I was doing really good with my reggie in Jan and Feb, but I don't know what happened in March. Hopefully I can get back on the good foot.

Extra Info: So what I plan on doing is just starting from square one as far as what to do, when to do and how to do with my hair. I have about an inch and a half of new growth, so I know already that I have to use a completely different strategy now as I do with my fully relaxed hair. I plan on stretching until May but well have to see how well that goes. I started a hair journal recently and I want to continue writing in that to keep up with the things that work, the things that don't work, and my overall progress.

 

[faithVA]

Thanks for coming in cia_garces.

I am SO frustrated with my lack of consistency and not knowing what to do when I stand in front of my many products,

It is possible that narrowing down your staples and maybe your back-ups will help with the frustration. Some times we can have too many choices. It sounds like you have some staples, so you have something to work with and a base to start with.

We are here with you, nailing our regimens one step/one product at a time

 

[cia_garces]

Thanks for coming in @cia_garces.



It is possible that narrowing down your staples and maybe your back-ups will help with the frustration. Some times we can have too many choices. It sounds like you have some staples, so you have something to work with and a base to start with.

We are here with you, nailing our regimens one step/one product at a time

I'm thinking I need to start from the new growth out. Like I said, I have what I need to keep my relaxed hair soft, but I don't know what I need to do with my new growth. I did a bantu knot out yesterday and my length looked , but my roots looked. LOL

I think I do have too many choices. I've got a million oils, a handful of leave ins, and a lot of odd and end stuff. I know there are a million techniques to achieve what I want with my hair, but I feel very overwhelmed with all the choices. And I'm always wondering, "Am I doing the right thing to get to this goal?" Ugh! Sorry. I over-think things in general, so it isn't hard for my brain to go into overload when it comes to my hair.

Thanks for the support!!!

 

[faithVA]

I'm thinking I need to start from the new growth out. Like I said, I have what I need to keep my relaxed hair soft, but I don't know what I need to do with my new growth. I did a bantu knot out yesterday and my length looked , but my roots looked. LOL

How did your roots feel? Did they feel soft and moisturized but looked bad? Or did they feel bad and look bad?

If you didn't like the way they looked and wanted them to be straighter then you might need to rollerset or do something that stretches them more like braiding the root.

If they felt bad then - did they feel moisturized but not soft or did they feel soft but not moisturized or neither

I over think things as well. I break things down, bit by bit.

I would suggest just starting with one point in your process shampooing or conditioning or moisturizing and focus on getting something close for that step and then moving on.

I am only dealing with one texture on my head so I can only imagine the challenges with transitioning.

 

[Lita]

Ok - the day after update really tells me what part of my regimen worked.

Shampoo, Color Rinse, Conditioning, Leave in worked well.

The coconut oil, Shea Moisture smoothie under the heat cap feels fantastic for the few hours after. It feels dry the next day. I still need the water/glycerin mix to hold moisture. Maybe will try spraying it on my hair after I complete the heat cap step.

I'm not sure about the butters. I have a few butters to use up but butters make my hair look dirty. erplexed I am going to use them up but stay away from buying any creamy products and stick to gel like/clear products.

I am debating whether I need both the coconut oil and butter. I may try just the coconut oil under the heat cap and see how that works. I may then follow it up with the smoothie mixed with gel to twist it up.

The flat twist updo bombed and took it out for a twist out this morning. It's a good think I'm ok with fuzzy, curly hair.

The serum didn't have enough hold. So tonight going to mix some gel with the smoothie and retwist my hair.

Next weekend I swear I am going to try cowashing. And I need to dust my ends this month.

I still feel like I am on track and that I will have nailed my regimen by the time I am SL.

faithVA Try the Smoothie with your favorite oil on top..But,oil lightly..See how that works...

Happy Hair Growing!

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA Try the Smoothie with your favorite oil on top..But,oil lightly..See how that works...

Happy Hair Growing!

Hey Lita,

My hair doesn't like oil and it really doesn't like it as the last thing on my hair for some reason. And thats a shame because when I first heard about moisturizing and sealing and ceramides I purchased all of these oils and butters. I am going to be a prepooing, oil rinsing sistah The rest will have to go on my body.

Someone suggested the smoothie with a gel. I tried that on my "bangs" and that seems to work.

 

[Lita]

Hey Lita,

My hair doesn't like oil and it really doesn't like it as the last thing on my hair for some reason. And thats a shame because when I first heard about moisturizing and sealing and ceramides I purchased all of these oils and butters. I am going to be a prepooing, oil rinsing sistah The rest will have to go on my body.

Someone suggested the smoothie with a gel. I tried that on my "bangs" and that seems to work.

faithVA Glad the gel & smoothie is working...

*I try to use up every-thing/So I don't waste MONEY....lol

Happy Hair Growing!

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA Glad the gel & smoothie is working...

*I try to use up every-thing/So I don't waste MONEY....lol

Happy Hair Growing!

I am with you. I will be using it up. I will just have a dusty looking head until I finish up all this butter. And trust me by years end that oil will be gone.

 

[Imani]

Found my shampoo- I was kind of jumping around w/my shampoos, it was a toss up between Keracare Hydrating Detangling sulfate free, Bee Mine Botanical, and Bee Mine Tea Tree. And the winner is...Bee Mine Botanical. Keracare Hydrating is cool, but sometimes its hard to lather plus it has some ingredients I dont like. Bee Mine Tea Tree can be too drying. But I'm really feeling the Bee Mine Botanical so I will stick w/ it for a while.

My regimen is the most solid its ever been, but I still get tempted to try new products and stuff bc you never know, it could be even better. I am going to try to refrain from trying anything new for a while as far as my normal reggie.

Straight hair-I'm still experimenting w/ nailing the perfect flat iron job tho, that is on my must do list for 2011. Whenever I tried to flat iron in the past, I'd always end up with flat, dry, crispy hair that won't hold a curl. Some things I want to try to nail a straight look

-Blow dry technique: Watched a few you tube tutorials and I think i need to work on getting more tension on the hair.
-Conditioners: Going to try Joico MR conditioner and Balm
-Shampoo: I know my hair needs to get really clean for that bouncy salon flat iron look, but most seem to strip it too much. Will experiment w/ a few diff ones.
-Curl/Bump technique: It takes skill to make my hair look full, so I need to work on how to create body and curls with either the flat iron or curling iron.

 

[faithVA]

Found my shampoo- I was kind of jumping around w/my shampoos, it was a toss up between Keracare Hydrating Detangling sulfate free, Bee Mine Botanical, and Bee Mine Tea Tree. And the winner is...Bee Mine Botanical. Keracare Hydrating is cool, but sometimes its hard to lather plus it has some ingredients I dont like. Bee Mine Tea Tree can be too drying. But I'm really feeling the Bee Mine Botanical so I will stick w/ it for a while.

My regimen is the most solid its ever been, but I still get tempted to try new products and stuff bc you never know, it could be even better. I am going to try to refrain from trying anything new for a while as far as my normal reggie.

Straight hair-I'm still experimenting w/ nailing the perfect flat iron job tho, that is on my must do list for 2011. Whenever I tried to flat iron in the past, I'd always end up with flat, dry, crispy hair that won't hold a curl. Some things I want to try to nail a straight look

-Blow dry technique: Watched a few you tube tutorials and I think i need to work on getting more tension on the hair.
-Conditioners: Going to try Joico MR conditioner and Balm
-Shampoo: I know my hair needs to get really clean for that bouncy salon flat iron look, but most seem to strip it too much. Will experiment w/ a few diff ones.
-Curl/Bump technique: It takes skill to make my hair look full, so I need to work on how to create body and curls with either the flat iron or curling iron.

Good update Imani. Congratulations on finding a shampoo and getting closer to nailing your regimen.

Maybe try 1 new product at a time after your reach your next length goal? Just a suggestion. I will have to figure that one out for myself once I really have a regimen in place.

Perhaps some of the other ladies have some flat-ironing tips.

 

[faithVA]

Since my flat twist updo was a disaster I ended up redoing my hair tonight. I moisturized with my leave in mix. I am not sure if it really moisturizes but it makes my hair wet and slippery and easy to style. I mixed the Shea Moisture Smoothie with some left over Kimble gel and that came out nice. I then decided to dust my ends. I could tell they were starting to lock together and make little split end babies. My ends feel so much better now. So leave in is a yes, and Smoothie + Gel is a yes.

While I was playing I decided to do an oil test so I can figure out what to do with all of these oils. So I took down 4 twists and put a different oil on each one: Sunflower oil, castor oil, coconut oil and vaseline (yes I know its not an oil).

So tomorrow I will be able to compare the original twists (leave in + smoothie/gel) with the 4 with different oils to see how they affect my hair.

I am enjoying experimenting and learning. And using up some of these products.

 

[Imani]

Good update Imani. Congratulations on finding a shampoo and getting closer to nailing your regimen.

Maybe try 1 new product at a time after your reach your next length goal? Just a suggestion. I will have to figure that one out for myself once I really have a regimen in place.

Perhaps some of the other ladies have some flat-ironing tips.

I need to buckle down on my spending habits so I prob won't be tryign anything new for a while. Like the other day I almost spent 25 dollars on some komaza conditioner. But I was like thats way too much when i have stuff at home that works just fine.

 

[faithVA]

While I was playing I decided to do an oil test so I can figure out what to do with all of these oils. So I took down 4 twists and put a different oil on each one: Sunflower oil, castor oil, coconut oil and vaseline (yes I know its not an oil).

So tomorrow I will be able to compare the original twists (leave in + smoothie/gel) with the 4 with different oils to see how they affect my hair.

I may need to add more water to my leave in to give the glycerin something to work with.

When I took out my twists the castor oil and the vaseline twists looked wonderful - nice and shiny with good hang. I should have put the sunflower on another twist. I put in on the front hair which is sort of fickle so will try that one over. The coconut oil didn't look like much. When I separated the twists further, the vaseline twist frizzed up, then 2nd the castor oil but the coconut oil kept the shape. hmm

So today I have a soft, curly, fuzzy twist out with a little hang.

Conclusion: water/glycerin or water/coconut oil for moisture/seal and heavier oil for extra hang and shine? Water/Glycerin + KCCC is still the best so far.

I know no one probably cares about all this but it helps me figure out what I am going to do next. And it is easier to document it here then go put it somewhere else.

 

[JaszG]

I need to buckle down on my spending habits so I prob won't be tryign anything new for a while. Like the other day I almost spent 25 dollars on some komaza conditioner. But I was like thats way too much when i have stuff at home that works just fine.

Same here! Then, I find out there is a place that sells Darcy Botanicals, Curls, and some of the stuff I have been wanting to try. I will NOT make a trip! lol.

 

[Poohbear]

Welcome Regimen Nailer Poohbear

You only are only styling once a month? How are you maintaining your twists during the month?

I am sure that is a shared sentiment for many on this thread. I am hoping when it gets challenging to stick to a regimen that we come here for support and we can help each other hang in there.

I definitely think you can reach your hair goals with the twists. And at APL you will have quite a few styling options even when your hair is in twists. I wear micro twists a lot and they are very convenient: wrap at night, unwrap in the morning, moisturize and go.

Glad to have you!

Yes, I will only be styling my hair in twists once a month. I will maintain my twists by just lightly moisturizing and oiling my hair whenever my hair feels dry.

Yesterday, I finally washed my straightened hair. I shampooed, treated with Aphogee, conditioned, blowdried on medium heat, and twisted my hair. Seems like the Aphogee made my hair stronger. Next time I wash my hair, I might skip the blowdrying, not sure yet.

 

[JaszG]

I attempted a twist out last night, and it turned out to be a disaster! Definitely will stick to braid outs for now on. I need to stop experimenting with my hair because its causing unnecessary shedding. After the twist out disaster, I decided to cowash and used knot today as a leave in. I blow dryed, and flat ironed, and wrapped my hair up! It will probably be this way until Sunday. I also lightly moisturized with EQP Olive oil & mango butter. My hair really doesn't mind heat, but I still want to reduce my usage. It is revolting against some things, so I guess I'm learning! I have also been trying different oils. Avocado oil makes my hair super soft!

 

[JaszG]

How has everyones hair week been?

 

[NikkiQ]

^^^A total pain in the butt. Tried doing flat two strand twists and my hair fluffed up and out of the twists as usual. And this was after it was shelacked with conditioner. Idk what it's gonna take for them to stay down. I decided to blow it out and did some Celie braids for a braid out this weekend. Who knows how they're gonna come out, but if it works...I'll have to do this at least once a month.

 

[greenbees]

Tell us About You
Natural - Relaxed – Texturized/Texlaxed - Transitioning: Natural
Current Length: APL
Current Regimen: I wash and deep condition my hair at least once a week, co-wash twice a week, moisturize with either Lacio Lacio and Oyin Handmade Hair Dew and seal with either a touch of walnut or coconut oil.
Current Staples/Techniques: I keep my hair in braids and slap a wig on (if that considered a technique!).
What in your regimen are trying to nail: I'm trying to nail sealing because I find that my ends are the hardest part of my hair to take care of.
History (optional) – any history of how you got to this point: I learned that I have to be gentle with my hair and not so scissor happy!

 

[faithVA]

How has everyones hair week been?

It's been a learning experiencing. After Monday's flat twist updo gone wrong, I've been using various methods to twist my hair at night and wearing a twist out. Nothing impressive. I've been late for work every day fooling with my hair. I am soooo ready to put it back into mini twists so I don't have to fool with it.