Just trying to figure out a regimen to fit my schedule next year. The first half of the year is going to be extremely busy for me. I'll be moving, finishing nursing school, taking my NCLEX and starting a new job. I want to roller set, bun and hide my hair under wigs but I know I can't do it all. I just need to figure out what's feasible.
When I bun, I have a tendency to neglect my hair for weeks at a time when I get too busy. Then that means I'll have to find time for long detangling sessions. Same thing with wearing wigs. Rollersetting means that I have to find at least 3 hours a week to wash, set and dry.
Some suggestions:
- Keep the multipurpose hair items out and pack or store everything else, e.g., balancing DCs with excellent slip; leave-ins that double as refreshers/moisturizers; an oil mixture that contains a multitude of goodies; an effective, non-stripping cleanser with clarifying properties; etc.
- Drastically simplify your routine, e.g., wetting the hair with a spray bottle and cleansing outside of the shower; DCing on dry hair and using it to both DC and cowash; etc.
- Keep the styling options to wet buns, air dried up-dos and celie braids. Move the bun around so that it doesn't cause undo stress. The braids are self-contained, especially since the weather has become cooler. Simply throw on a hat and let the braids hang down and do their thing. When it's close to wash day, unbraid and wear a braid-out. Moisturize the roots and braid lengths while braided as needed. Easy peasy.
- Keep a spray bottle full of water handy for spritzing..
When things got hectic for me, I relied upon a few simple products to pull me through: (1) NG Marshmallow & Coconut Water DCs, CJ Rehab, Mielle Babassu, and Silicon Mix regular and Bambu; (2) PBN Sapote Lotion; and (3) a castor oil based mixture. That was it; the rest of my stuff was boxed up for my upcoming move and/or put away until I had more time on my hands. Those DCs had the slip I needed for detangling, as well as the nutrients necessary for proper conditioning and balance. The PBN is an excellent, highly moisturizing leave-in and refresher/moisturizer that never fails, and I had an oil for...whatever oiling purposes came my way. When things died down or when I had a nice chunk of time to spare, I chelated and did a hard protein treatment. If the hair ever becomes overly tangled, slap some DC on it while it's dry and let it marinate under a hat while you do what needs to get done. You can detangle it later while taking a bath or reading/studying. Use the weather and other daily functions to your advantage, e.g., baths, studying, etc. Hopefully this was helpful.