Great thread - I'm in. I'm 16 Months Post and I don't plan on BC'ing. Did it the last time I went natural (after 4 months of transitioning) and while I did enjoy the journey, it's not something I would want to do again. Mostly because now I not only want natural hair, I want length. I believe the rest of my transition will be smooth sailing.
The back of my hair is already completely natural. I have straight pieces in the middle and front.
The hardest part of the transition was around months 6-9. It was so hard to find the right products to get my NG moisturized...that's until I found LHCF.
I'm still developing my regimen but here are some of the products and routines I lean heavily on:
1.
Pre-pooing is a MUST for me. Currently I uses Carrot oil Deep Conditioning by Hollywood for at least an hour. Totally decreased my shedding.
2. I'm not into co-washing so I wash with Dr. Bronner's peppermint shampoo in four sections (washing in 4 sections also helped with retaining hair during washing). Once a week or every two weeks. I follow each washed section with V05 moisturizing conditioner
3.
Clarify at least every two weeks
4.
Oil Rinses - just started this - I do it right after I shampoo. Absolutely love it. I usually use Coconut Oil and EVOO - warmed. The best
5. Deep condition with
Alter Ego (using Lucky's mom home steaming remedy). Alter Ego is the bomb. I just tried it for the 1st time and it stopped my shedding immediately! I heard people say it and it is true. It's the truth! And I can't say enough about Lucky's mom home steam treatment. Those two together...forget about it
Heaven.
6. Giovanni Leave In - mostly when wearing my hair straight. Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In and Custard if wearing curly
7. Followed by another new love - a spritz that I mixed up which consists of jojoba oil, Aloe Vera Juice, Peppermint Oil, Lavender and a bit of Olive Oil. Love this stuff. I also use it if I'm re-doing my twists.
8. Using both JBCO, Aloe Vera Gel and ORS Fertilizing Serum on my edges (on the left side of my head). My hair has thinned there quite a bit so I'm hoping for good results based on things I've read here. This is my first week so I'll keep you posted.
Uhhh, I think that's it :scratchch.
My regimen has been a work in progress but I think I'm pretty happy with the results.
ETA: I also use a protein conditioner (currently Aphogee) at least every two weeks - very important