The Holy Grail Thread

[BeautifulRoots]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural

Hair ID: 4a/4b

Shampoo: Organic Root Stimulator Aloe shampoo

Condtioner: Silicon Mix

Leave-In: Kinky Curly Knot Today

Deep Conditioner: Dont really use a deep conditioner per se. I do prepoo overnight with vatika oil and I've found that works for my hair better than when I deep conditioned regularly. If can just skip that extra step in my reggie.

Sealant: Castor oil, naptural85 shea butter mix

Styles: Braidouts, almost exclusively. Occasionally, I flat iron, rock bantu knot outs, and do mini twists.

Other/Special Tools: Denman brush! Saved my hair from tangles and matting. Been using it for five years now and I'm still VERY pleased with it.

Issues/Problems: Nothing at the moment.

 

[JeterCrazed]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Relaxed Transitioning to Texlaxed

Hair ID: Dense, Thick, 4B, Normal to Low Porosity

Shampoo: Wen Fig, Chi Deep Brilliance

Conditioner: Sebastian Drench, Chi Deep Brilliance Reconstruct (Snap that Moisture/Protein balance right back ), AOHSR

Leave-In: Silicon Mix, Chi Ionic Color Care Leave-in Mask, Belegenza EnCore

Deep Conditioner: My Megatek Mixology, Aphogee 2-Step, Redken Real Control

Sealant: JBCO, Coconut

Styles: Bun, Flat Iron 3x/Mo Max

Other/Special Tools: Bonnet, Do-rag.

Issues/Problems: Tangles in the wack patch. (back)

 

[winona]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural

Hair ID: Dense, fine, (4b in the middle, straightish in the front, 4a at the nape), Normal to Low Porosity

Shampoo: Elucence MB or EQP conditioning for moisture, Kenra Chleating to remove buildup

Conditioner: Hard Protein Dudley DRC, light protein neutral protein filler added to diluted shampoo; Moisture nothing is a must have; Balanced Elucence MB

Leave-In: ASIAN Leave in, PM The Conditioner Leave In

Deep Conditioner: Nothing special. Been using AOHSR, Joico MR balm and ASIAN hydration elation with okay results. I am looking for that melt in your hands feeling

Sealant: Ceramide Oil blend, Pequi Oil blend, Argan Oil blend

Styles: Crochet braids, cornrows/twists, will dabble into wigs more once it cools down a little.

Other/Special Tools: Seamless comb

Issues/Problems: Growing my hair back from a emotional self cut:/ but loving how thick and happy my hair is

 

[ellyndee]

Relaxed again after being natural 5 years

Hair ID: 4a, fine, dense, growing out color

Shampoo: Mizani chelating/neutralizing shampoo (1x per month)

Conditioner: GK Hair Moisturizing Conditioner

Deep conditioner: Shea Moisture deep treatment mask with HS 14 in 1

Oils: grapeseed oil

Other: pro steamer

Styles: flexi rods, buns, phony pony

Issues: heavy handed, need to lighten up

 

[Lita]

Nice Thread..OP



Happy Hair Growing!

 

[Arian]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural

Hair ID: 3c/4a/4b coarse strands, may be fine...I dunno
Shampoo: KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Sulfate free, Kenra Chelating Poo

Condtioner: Trader Joe's Nourish Spa

Leave-In: Nothing that I like yet

Deep Conditioner: Nothing that I like yet, Aubrey Organics GPB is close
Sealant:

Styles: twist out mainly, twists, puff
Other/Special Tools: washing hair in twists/braids

Issues/Problems: dryness, ick...

 

[Rei]

Hair ID: Natural 4b. Was BSL, but trimmed back to about an inch above.

Shampoo: Teressentials mud wash for life

Condtioner: I don't really use cheapie conditioners anymore, but if i'm on vacation or something i'll use aussie moist.

Leave-In: Qhemet amla and olive heavy cream

Deep Conditioner: AO HSR, but I use this like once a month now (sometimes even less)

Sealant: Castor, Olive.

Styles: Twists, buns, twists and buns. I'm actually quite tired of both of them, but wearing my hair out is an invitation to ssks and tangles, and the detangling session is so not worth it!

Other/Special Tools:My fingers. Seriously, after I started finger detangling, my growth has been a lot more significant (although my detangling time did triple)

Issues/Problems: Being bored with my hair
__________________

 

[Cattypus1]

I have been struggling with my products since I started my HHJ especially since I got late into my stretch. I can't tell you how much I've spent in the last couple of weeks just so that I can comb through my hair When it's wet (15 weeks through a 16 week stretch)--I found some good and some not so good but I've found the product that gives my hair the slip without the greasy feeling--oddly enough it's John Frieda Frizz-Ease heat serum. That stuff is awesome! A little dab 'l do ya.

 

[back2relaxed]

Relaxed

Hair ID: 4a, coarse, thick

Shampoo: Creme of Nature with Argan Oil

Condtioner: Creme of Nature with Argan Oil Intensive Conditioner, cowash with cheapies, Suave, Vo5, Aussie Moist

Leave-In: Elasta QP H2, Chi Keratin Mist, Lacio Lacio, Garnier Length and Strength

Deep Conditioner: Elasta QP DPR 11, Hollywood Beauty Cholesterol with Olive Oil. I add essential oils to all dcs, sometimes I use Humecto by Keracare, trying to use up all of the Keracare, not a HG to me.

Sealant: Castor, Olive, Coconut

Styles: Buns, Phony Pony, Braidouts, Perm rod, flexirod, rollersets...anything that is low heat, low maniplulation.

Other/Special Tools: Semi perm color when needed, may flat iron every 2-3 mos. Definitely not during the summer. Use Lenzi's Request 2x/week to encourage growth, it's working

Issues/Problems: Trying to grow out a pixie cut...no issues, just need patience!

 

[chebaby]

shampoo: kinky curly come clean
conditioner: trader joes nourish spa conditioner
deep conditioner: curl junkie curl rehab
detangler: curl junkie smoothing lotion
leave in: i have a few staple leave ins but right now my favorite is trader joes nourish spa conditioner
moisturizer: cammile rose moisture butter and bee mine luscious moisturizer
sealant: i dont seal
oil: trigger hair oil for the scalp. it has stopped my shedding in its tracks.
style: wash and go. i wash and go everyday and bun in between.

 

[Lita]

My new fab..HV Red Tea Satin Moisturuzer & HV Hydra Silica spritz...My hair loves this,really helping my scalp too..

Happy Hair Growing!

 

[Beany]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural

Hair ID: 4b

Shampoo: Terressentials Mud Wash and As I Am coconut co-wash

Condtioner: Tresemme Naturals

Leave-In: Tresemme Naturals or Giovanni Direct

Deep Conditioner: Aubrey WC, Bask's YAM, Bask's Cacao Bark

Sealant: Castor oil

Styles: twist outs

Other/Special Tools: Steamer

Issues/Problems: Some shedding, might get back to tea rinses

 

[JBunnie]

Though I stopped relaxing my hair years ago I only recently decided to truly embrace my curls and start my HHJ so my hair will be in optimal condition for however I choose to wear it. Because of this I'm still in the works of completing my HG but I will share what I have thus far.

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural

Hair ID: 3a/b (I have some wavy/straight pieces due to heat damage), low porosity, my hair is thick but my individual strands are medium - fine (I find I have more medium/average thickness strands than fine ones) (I'm still not 100% on all of the characteristics and properties of my hair. I'm thinking about doing the Komaza hair analysis to get a better grasp on my hair's characteristics.)

Shampoo: Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo (If I need to clarify I add baking soda to this) and MoroccanOil Moisture Repair Shampoo

Condtioner: MoroccanOil Moisture Repair Conditioner. I'm still trying to find my cowash condish.

Leave-In: So far I've only used KCNT mixed with 100% AVJ. It has worked out well for me but I do have some other leave-ins in my stash that I want to try. I want to have an option with glycerin and one without glycerin.

Deep Conditioner: MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask (moisture)
Still trying to find a light protein condish. But I alternate weekly between a light protein DC and my moisture DC.

Sealant: Pure Argan Oil

Styles: Twist and bantu knot outs. After a few days I'll do a curly pony/top knot. WnGs. (Because I don't do protective styles I seal my ends daily)

Other/Special Tools: Finger detangling with rosemary coconut oil and sweet almond oil
Hot oil treatment on full wash days (mix of EVOO, avocado oil, and grape seed oil with a few drops of One 'n Only Argan Oil Treatment) and I use a heating cap for 10 minutes with it.
AVJ rinse on cowash days. I try and get AVJ in as much as possible by adding it to some of my products.
I do a heavy protein after I use direct heat on my hair. (only used ApHogee 2 step but again there are some others I wish to try)
I go to the hairdresser every 8 weeks to give myself a break from doing my hair, get a trim (if needed) and just get a professional's opinion on the health and progress of my hair. When I do I get a moisture DC and a steam.

Issues/Problems: Trying to finish out my HG.
Knowing exactly when to moisturize my hair and what to moisturize with
Refreshing my WnGs
When I straighten my hair again I need to make sure I'm doing it the best and least damaging way as possible. I think I have a good routine down for it but I haven't gotten a chance to execute just yet.

 

[daviine]

natural
hair Id - 4a / 3c cottony, fine hair, thick strands, wiry curls
shampoo - everyday Shea or Giovanni triple treat
deep conditioner - elucence moisture balance, bear fruit hair aloe coconut Shea something like that I love it
rinse out - vo5 pomegranate (great for light protein its my ao bga alternative)
vo5 free me freesia
cowash - vo5 kiwi lime
vo5 chamomile
leave in - watered down vo5 chamomile
moisturizer - he 14 in 1 or coconut oil
sealant - wheat germ oil, olive oil
tools - hana pro, claw clamps
issues - seborrheic dermatitis (controlled thanks to coconut oil but occasional flares)
styled - my honey child type 4, deva set it free
styles - braided root twists, plaits under wig, 2 strand
supplements - msm source naturals, country life maxi hair

Silenttulip can you tell me how coconut oil helped with your seborrheic dermatitis? Thanks

 

[Seamonster]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural

Hair ID: 4b

Shampoo: L'occintaine dandruff shampoo, SD go moist, Shima

Condtioner: KBN Shealoe is my favorite, but I use Claudie's mango due to price constraints, it is my second favorite.

Leave-In: No holy grail, my hair likes everything by Komaza, and Claudie's. Each time I switch, it likes the change, and if I switch back, it acts brand new.

Deep Conditioner: SSI fortifier, Mozeke carrot, mozeke moisture, SD vanilla, Claudies Protein, Komaza Olive, KBB luscious locks. I also like Marie Dean Wheatberry, but it is too expensive so I use the ones above

Home Made DC's: Caramel Treatment, Cherry Lola, Onion mask, Tea rinses, and Coffee oil

Growth Aids: I stands for MT and castor oil

Sealant: Castor oil mix in winter, coconut oil mix in summer Any butter or grease as needed

Styles: twist or buns

Other/Special Tools: Just learning how to use my fingers, denman, and seamless combs

Issues/Problems: shedding, alopecia, dermatitis

 

[Destiny9109]

Bumping for more!

 

[smores]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural Hair ID: 4b Shampoo: L'occintaine dandruff shampoo, SD go moist, Shima Condtioner: KBN Shealoe is my favorite, but I use Claudie's mango due to price constraints, it is my second favorite. Leave-In: No holy grail, my hair likes everything by Komaza, and Claudie's. Each time I switch, it likes the change, and if I switch back, it acts brand new. Deep Conditioner: SSI fortifier, Mozeke carrot, mozeke moisture, SD vanilla, Claudies Protein, Komaza Olive, KBB luscious locks. I also like Marie Dean Wheatberry, but it is too expensive so I use the ones above Home Made DC's: Caramel Treatment, Cherry Lola, Onion mask, Tea rinses, and Coffee oil Growth Aids: I stands for MT and castor oil Sealant: Castor oil mix in winter, coconut oil mix in summer Any butter or grease as needed Styles: twist or buns Other/Special Tools: Just learning how to use my fingers, denman, and seamless combs Issues/Problems: shedding, alopecia, dermatitis

Great list!!

 

[SweetlyCurly]

-Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural
-Hair ID: 3c I think
Shampoo: Trader Joes TTT and ORS creamy aloe to clarify
-Conditioner: Trader Joes TTT
-Leave-In: Oyin Hairdew/ SM coconut hibiscus milk
-Deep Conditioner: Jane Carter DC/ BBB Babbasu DC
-Sealant: PB cupuacu butter
-Stylers: Xtreme wetline gel/ flaxseed gel
-Styles: wash n go
-Special Tools: Denman brush
-Issues/Problems: Some frizz and at times obtaining multi day hair

 

[KiWiStyle]

Good idea OP! I love reading threads like these!

Hair ID: Transitioning 4A/4B. My hair is a little past SL right now with about 4 inches of new growth at the roots and the rest relaxed ends. It's medium texture but has definitely became thinner in the last year because of the damage from the relaxers.

Shampoo: Redken Extreme and Wen Fig

Condtioner: All Redken conditioners especially Redken Extreme and Redken Real Control. Also Aussie 3 minute moist!

Leave-In: Redken Anti Snap and whatever else I can find! (I love me some Redken )

Deep Conditioner: Paul Mitchell Keratriplex Treatment (protein) and Aussie 3 Minute Moist (moisture)

Sealant: Grapeseed, Avocado, Vitamin E, Olive, and Castor.

Styles: Buns and Wigs....Simple as that!

Other/Special Tools: I loooooooove to steam my hair! I bought a steamer from LCL beauty and all my treatments have been working so much better. My hair used to be so dry but not anymore. It's soft and supple and the comb just slides right through!

Issues/Problems: Just trying to grow out these relaxed ends so I can be all natural!!!!!!

MsLauren your hair sounds almost exactly like mine and you use a lot of the same products as me...and I love me some Redken! I'll be watching your hair! How long have you been transitioning?

 

[KinksAndInk]

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Natural
Hair ID: Fine, medium density, 3c with some 4a areas, normal porosity
Shampoo: Aztec healing clay (bentonite clay) mixed with acv or whatever shampoo I have on hand by SM
Conditioner: Don't really have/use one. My detangling condish doubles as my rinse out. I use the Suave Naturals line or Aussie Moist
Leave-In: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth leave in conditioning cream
Deep Conditioner: SM Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque or Aussie 3 minute miracle when I'm in a rush
Protein treatment: Aphogee 2-step or Joico KPak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
Sealant: Grapeseed, apricot, almond, coconut, avocado or olive oil
Styles: Buns in the fall/winter wash and go or twist out in the summer with the occasional Marley twists, halo braid/milkmaid braid or puff thrown in
Other/Special Tools: None
Issues/Problems: None. I love my hair.

 

[DoDo]

Hair ID: 4b/c, Thick, High density

Shampoo: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey Shampoo, Ouidad Curl Co-Wash

Conditioner: Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle, Shea Moisture Purification Masque

Leave-In: Curl Junkie Argan and Olive Oil Daily Conditioner, Oyin Hair Dew

Deep Conditioner: Ingredients to die for Organicals Deep Conditioning Creme

Moisturizers: Bekura Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Creme, Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream

Sealant: Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade, Avocado oil

Styles: Twisted buns, buns, braid-outs, twist-outs

Other/Special Tools: Finger detange/Bass brush/Applying conditioner relaxer style/Stretched styles

Issues/Problems: None at the moment

 

[Bunnyhaslonghair]

Bump for 2015! Naturals with kinky hair, what are your holy grails?

 

[alove15]

Bumping b/c I love this thread..

Relaxed/Natural/Transitioning: Relaxed

Hair ID: Tight coils, Fine, Medium density

Shampoo: AG Balance

Conditioners: Curl Junkie Repair Me/Rehab, Aussie Moist

Stylers: Kinky Curly Knot Today, Camille Rose Mousse, Paul Mitchell serum


Styles: Up-do with claw clip…still figuring out styles with this length

Other/Special Tools: Finger detangle, Wide tooth comb, Dyson, Regular trims

Issues/Problems: Thin shorter hair in front (combo of flat iron and BKT damage)-Just had a big cut and plan to gradually trim to even things out.

 

[Nightingale]

• Hair ID
  • Natural, coarse, medium density, 3c/4a, smooth strands.
• Shampoo
  • AG Curl Fresh
  • African Pride Miracle Moisture
• Conditioner:
  • ITDF (Ingredients to Die For) Intense Moisture Cream
  • AG Curl Fresh
• Stylers
  • Garnier Pure Clean gel - base gel
  • Creme of Nature Maximum Hold Styling Snot - base gel
  • Super Wet gel - topper gel
• Styles
  • Wash and Gos
  • Jumbo Twists (12-16 twist total)
  • 8 Braid braid out
• Other/Special Tools
  • Standing Dryer
  • Felicia Leatherwood Brush
  • For best WnG results on my hair: Apply base gel to wet hair. Heat dry completely, then apply topper gel. Sit under dryer for another 20 minutes.
• Issues/Problems
  • none