Shea Growth And Retention Regimen 2018

[GGsKin]

I got round to washing my hair yesterday. Feels weird saying as it's after 3am and I haven't gone to sleep yet. Anyway, I DCd topped with melted Shea mix and when my hair dries a little more, I'll smooth some on my length and ends. I'm gonna create another mix tomorrow as I finally finished my second one (hair only) and I'm almost out of my third (hair and body).

 

[caribeandiva]

Unicorns- is adding more oil the key to getting the luscious whipped texture you are all raving about?

Yes

 

[caribeandiva]

@Chicoro I know gel keeps the frizz away, so are you applying S-Curl, Gel and Shea Butter roots to tip or roots to beginning of braid only (S-Curl and Shea Butter on the remainder)? Hope that makes sense.

I can’t speak for @Chicoro but I apply the gel to the roots only.

 

[GGsKin]

Unicorns- is adding more oil the key to getting the luscious whipped texture you are all raving about?

In short yes. It's taken me some trialling to find the best mix for me. For my first mix I used a hand mixer to whip it. My second mix had a lot of oil. I beat that one rather than whipped and it came out a silky creamy texture. I whipped my last (best) mix in a stand mixer but added less oil due to the way the oily mix was attracting lint to my hair. It was fluffy, spread easier and I could use less product. I think it still could've been lighter/ fluffier.

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

@fluffyforever
While Jakeala's SB is really GOODT - you will be amazed what whipping your own will do!

Gather a few empty jars, add some nicely fragrance Oils, a mixer and you'll be good.

Plus it's SUPER EASY!!! It took me 10 mins. I am not a mixtress like the other ladies on here either. All you need is a reg electric beater and a bowl( preferably glass or metal because the plastic one I used was a bit difficult to get the greasy feel out of).

Start with a small batch. I promise you'll be addicted after your first try.

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

Girl, you've been TURNT OUT!
Whipped Shea butter knocked that straight Shea stuff out your hands and out your LIFE!

LOL!!! Yep I'm a believer! I'm already thinking about what I'ma put in my next batch..

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro I know gel keeps the frizz away, so are you applying S-Curl, Gel and Shea Butter roots to tip or roots to beginning of braid only (S-Curl and Shea Butter on the remainder)? Hope that makes sense.

I wet my hair from foot to tip. I apply scurl from root to tip. I tap my roots only with gel. I apply Shea from root to tip.

 

[Garner]

@caribeandiva and @Chicoro Thanks, that's what I thought. It has become so hot and humid these days, I have adjusted my regimen to include gel in the root area as well. Protective styling for me, is also useful. I do find some gels very difficult to wash out during wash day. So I have to be mindful of this to make sure my scalp and hair are thoroughly cleansed.

 

[caribeandiva]

LOL!!! Yep I'm a believer! I'm already thinking about what I'ma put in my next batch..

Welcome to the dark side! It’s only downhill from here. Lol

 

[kupenda]

So I decided not to use shea butter for the past few days to experiment with my hair. Urgh. I can hear my hair snapping and crackling! Silly me. But at least I know what works me. I don’t have a mixer or anything like that but I will look into it in the future.

Anyone noticing nicer cuticles on their nails due to shea usage?

 

[caribeandiva]

@caribeandiva and @Chicoro Thanks, that's what I thought. It has become so hot and humid these days, I have adjusted my regimen to include gel in the root area as well. Protective styling for me, is also useful. I do find some gels very difficult to wash out during wash day. So I have to be mindful of this to make sure my scalp and hair are thoroughly cleansed.

I use Wetline gel
https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/time-to-stock-up-wetline-has-changed-their-formula.827615/

 

[guyaneseyankee]

Unicorns- is adding more oil the key to getting the luscious whipped texture you are all raving about?

I think so.

 

[caribeandiva]

So I may or may not have picked up 3 new Shea disciples last night. Man, I need to stop preaching the Shea gospel! I can’t help it! I was at my friend’s house when her little sister and nieces were complaining about their hair and how it won’t grow. They’re mostly underage teens who can’t even work yet. Of course those words are music to my ears and I started asking them questions about their hair regimen. Bless their hearts they were on YouTube researching and doing egg protein hair treatments. I asked them what were they doing with the egg they kept whipping which is how this whole conversation turned to the topic of hair. They were using the whole Cantu line and some Cream of nature masks. I was impressed they got that far on their own.

I told them I could help them grow out their hair if they’re serious. Their eyes got huge and they wanted to start right away! It was really cute. I showed them my hair progress pictures and my sister’s too. They were really excited after seeing my sister’s hair! Long story short I took their auntie’s credit card and took them shopping! An hour later we were back home and I had them whipping their own yellow Shea butter and dividing it into 3 glass jars so they could each have their own. I told them to make sure to take pics and they were way ahead of me in that regard. I’m excited for them! I can’t wait to see how much progress they’ll make in the upcoming weeks and months. Don’t worry ladies, I’ve got the next generation covered!

 

[cravoecanela]

So it's been about 5 months since I've started using shea butter. 5 months ago my hair was constantly breaking off at the ends, so I did a trim in March or so. I was putting a shea butter/castor oil mix on my ends a few minutes ago like I do most nights, and I realized that my twists (done on slightly stretched damp hair) were longer than they were when they were at their longest before my trim (slightly below my collarbone area). AND, I haven't noticed any breakage in a while. I'm glad I stuck the shea butter out!!

 

[GettingKinky]

My hair has been feeling rough lately and I think I just figured out why. Ever since I started using SB, I’ve been shampooing more because my hair feels coated. I need a better SB recipe so that I don’t feel the need to use shampoo. I hope SB is worth all this experimenting.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

In French, "Le, yes!"

@Chicoro
.....

 

[LdyKamz]

So I've been lurking in this thread for a long time. When I got my terrible haircut around Easter and asked if there were any threads in the hair forum that could help me grow it out @caribeandiva suggested I come in here. I'm finally taking her advice but I still don't know how I would even begin to incorporate shea butter into my regimen to help me grow this out beyond heavy sealing. I worry that that because it is a little heavy then it will be difficult to style.

Even so, I just bought 3 different kinds of shea butter and a bunch of different oils so I can experiment. I don't have a hand mixer so I've looked up recipes where I can still get it fluffy without having to use one. So....what now?

 

[caribeandiva]

Even so, I just bought 3 different kinds of shea butter and a bunch of different oils so I can experiment. I don't have a hand mixer so I've looked up recipes where I can still get it fluffy without having to use one. So....what now?

Get a hand mixer. It really will make all the difference. You can get one at Walmart for about $10. Your other option is to use your blender to get a creamier mix but that’s too messy for my liking.

 

[LdyKamz]

@caribeandiva I thought about it but I literally have zero space left for another appliance. Maybe I'll use my old blender if I feel so inclined. But how I'm going to whip up a batch is the least of my concerns and more how I'm actually going to use it and apply it to my regimen.

 

[caribeandiva]

@caribeandiva I thought about it but I literally have zero space left for another appliance. Maybe I'll use my old blender if I feel so inclined. But how I'm going to whip up a batch is the least of my concerns and more how I'm actually going to use it and apply it to my regimen.

What’s your current regimen?

 

[LdyKamz]

What’s your current regimen?

It's pretty simple for now. Shampoo and deep conditioner once a week alternating moisture and protein conditioners. Afterward spritz with it's a 10 leave in with keratin (my hair loves this stuff!) then seal with something, anything really and then style.

I used to do a mid week cowash and restyle but my hair is too short and is annoying to deal with so 86ing that for now. But might add it back at some point.

For styling I've been playing around with bantu knots, perm rods and now flexi rods. These were easy go to styles for me when my hair was longer but are a little more challenging now. I was straightening every other week because it was the only way my hair looked presentable but after a couple months it isn't necessary. I usually use a little gel or setting foam when doing these styles.

I guess I could use the shea butter to layer after my leave in but I wonder how it would react with other styling products on top - specifically one designed for hold like a gel or setting lotion.

 

[caribeandiva]

It's pretty simple for now. Shampoo and deep conditioner once a week alternating moisture and protein conditioners. Afterward spritz with it's a 10 leave in with keratin (my hair loves this stuff!) then seal with something, anything really and then style.

I used to do a mid week cowash and restyle but my hair is too short and is annoying to deal with so 86ing that for now. But might add it back at some point.

For styling I've been playing around with bantu knots, perm rods and now flexi rods. These were easy go to styles for me when my hair was longer but are a little more challenging now. I was straightening every other week because it was the only way my hair looked presentable but after a couple months it isn't necessary. I usually use a little gel or setting foam when doing these styles.

I guess I could use the shea butter to layer after my leave in but I wonder how it would react with other styling products on top - specifically one designed for hold like a gel or setting lotion.

The glaring problem to me is that you use protein every other week. I’d slow it down to once every 6-8 weeks and only use moisturizing deep conditioner in the meantime. I use S-curl as my leave in and seal with Shea butter. I do that daily too as my LCO method. My hair is super dry and needs to be moisturized and sealed daily. That has been the biggest game changer for me. Maybe @Chicoro can chime in if she has any other suggestions.

 

[LdyKamz]

The glaring problem to me is that you use protein every other week. I’d slow it down to once every 6-8 weeks and only use moisturizing deep conditioner in the meantime. I use S-curl as my leave in and seal with Shea butter. I do that daily too as my LCO method. My hair is super dry and needs to be moisturized and sealed daily. That has been the biggest game changer for me. Maybe @Chicoro can chime in if she has any other suggestions.

Protein in my regimen is not a problem. Not for me anyway. It's kpak reconstructor followed up with joico moisture recovery balm. Leaves my hair smooth, shiny and feeling good every time. I don't have any issues there. I remember my regimen before this and it was all moisture moisture moisture because I thought naturals didn't need protein and I used to read horror stories on the board. Until I got my hair analyis years ago and they told me to use a light protein every week I stayed away. I tried their suggestion and it was too much so I tried every other week and saw that worked well for me. My hair changed. Shiny, held moisture better, and less problems with my ends. I know protein is the devil for a lot of people lol but not me. Especially also since I use heat.

How do you wear your hair daily? I'm trying to picture moisturizing and sealing my hair everyday. Even when my hair is longer I'm a style once or twice a week girl and I don't want to do more than that. Do you have to style often?

As I'm typing this I had an idea. I think maybe once I whip it up I'll try it as a sealant/styler and I can use it once or twice a week that way to start and see what happens.

 

[Chicoro]

GSA (Global Shea Alliance) Donates 84th Warehouse to Women’s Groups

From January – March, GSA sustainability partners donated 19 warehouses to women collectors and processors, raising the total under the sustainability program to 84. The donated warehouses with capacity ranging from 45MT to 120MT benefit 14,000 women in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana.

Lydie Kambou, a shea collector from Bouna, Cote d’Ivoire, said: “This warehouse has been a blessing, not only to us but also to our families.” According to her, “thanks to this warehouse, women are able to store their kernels, and they got a very good price from a buyer.”

With access to a warehouse, shea collectors and processors can aggregate higher volumes and double their earnings from shea sales. The women collectors are also leveraging their shea profits, new organization, and business management skills to expand into other income generating activities such as grain farming, soya cheese, cashew juice, soap making, and rice processing.

Gazere Salamatou, a shea collector from Barienou, Benin said: “When we make our shea sales, we set some of the money aside in preparation for the cashew season. This is how we afford to buy the cashews, bottles, and all the raw materials we use for making the juice.”

Through public private partnerships, the GSA is implementing community development projects including warehouse construction, business development trainings, health and safety initiatives, parkland management, improved planting materials, and conservation projects. To learn more, contact GSA Sustainability Director Wunmi Osholake at [email protected].

 

[Chicoro]

The above warehouse was placed in French speaking African countries of the Shea Belt. I mention this to because I would love to see more African American women participating. But, I know most African American women do not speak French fluently.

Let's keep our eyes open to see how we can contribute and help in the future. In the meantime, keep loving and buying that Shea butter!

 

[kupenda]

The above warehouse was placed in French speaking African countries of the Shea Belt. I mention this to because I would love to see more African American women participating. But, I know most African American women do not speak French fluently.

Let's keep our eyes open to see how we can contribute and help in the future. In the meantime, keep loving and buying that Shea butter!

I love your mindset Ms Chicoro! Pulling people up, providing them with the necessary tools to help them provide for themselves and future generations. THIS is what we as Afro Americans need to be investing in. I love all of this

 

[Chicoro]

I love your mindset Ms Chicoro! Pulling people up, providing them with the necessary tools to help them provide for themselves and future generations. THIS is what we as Afro Americans need to be investing in. I love all of this

Thank you, @kupenda ! It's documented that Afro American women are some of the biggest givers of their time and money to volunteer and humanitarian efforts. We are 'uplifters', which is different than 'savers' of other people. I think that's a good way to be.

 

[Chicoro]

My head is itching. I rarely have an itchy scalp. I'm not sure of the issue. But I will cleanse my scalp and see if it continues. I don't think it's the Shea butter. Most of my products and processes have stayed the same.

 

[Chicoro]

I'll be continuing with Shea butter throughout the summer. In the winter months when using Shea, my hair is sometimes hard after application. I like Shea summer application because the hair always remains soft from the heat.

 

[Chicoro]

Shea Summer Strutting...

I think many of you all are ready for the summer. Your unicorn game is tight and you are looking good and are in the prancing stage. Go, ladies!