Wash And Go, To Grow And To Dazzle 2020 Challenge

[toaster]

@GettingKinky your UFD wash and go looks great!

I’m with you on the disconnection in our hair. After wearing my hair super short (for me) I need at least all of 2021 to grow my hair out then maybe at the end of the year I’ll get it cut back to the blunt look that I like. Maybe.

 

[Nightingale]

The most important things I learned from the digital salon were

- the shampoo spectrum (this was truly new to me)
- get hair super wet before adding shampoo
- use LOTS of water at every step
- use LOTS of gel
- the use of a topper gel
- emulsify your products
- detangle thoroughly
- rake stylers through hair thoroughly
- how to diffuse (I had been cupping my hair in the diffuser)
- the best way for me to wear a buff (pulled down on my head like a hat)
I’m sure I learned many more things in my time there, but for me these were the most important things that gave me a good looking WnG

These two things plus heat drying AND consulting with a CIK stylist, were what I was missing in my routine.

Even after watching the videos, I still didn't recognize that my shampoos were too clarifying (despite being natural and sulfate free). It wasn't until I saw a CIK stylist who evaluated my hair and discussed my products, that I understood what I needed to change in my regimen.

Even though their delivery is harsh, the As deserve their respect and their knowledge is not only helpful but critical.

 

[Nightingale]

Yay someone else tried the earthtones gel! I’m glad you like it!

I used the Earthtones gel for my first post-cut wash and like it as well. I applied on wet hair and only dried to about 50%, but my hair still has decent definition, shine, and a soft, flexible hold. Next time I wash I'm going to apply it like Abena (Embrace Natural Beauty) did, on damp hair and see if I get more hold and definition.

 

[DVAntDany]

The most important things I learned from the digital salon were

- the shampoo spectrum (this was truly new to me)
- get hair super wet before adding shampoo
- use LOTS of water at every step
- use LOTS of gel
- the use of a topper gel
- emulsify your products
- detangle thoroughly
- rake stylers through hair thoroughly
- how to diffuse (I had been cupping my hair in the diffuser)
- the best way for me to wear a buff (pulled down on my head like a hat)

I’m sure I learned many more things in my time there, but for me these were the most important things that gave me a good looking WnG

Thanks. I think I gotten most of that info, but it’s a lot to digest. I was just reading everything to try to figure out what on earth is a buff. I think I know now.

After listening to the 10Q and videos on Instagram (what are still left), I think I’m getting the finer detailed answers to my questions. I guess at this point it has to go beyond theory and into practice.

 

[DVAntDany]

Do you have a target red card? Shipping is free.

I never thought to do that. I don’t shop at Target too often due to the distance, but I’ll look into it.

Are they doing it like Walmart online? Walmart has nothing to do with the vendors selling on their site. So returns or issues that require customer service is not always easy. I worry about items being counterfeit too much like EBay and Amazon.

 

[faithVA]

These two things plus heat drying AND consulting with a CIK stylist, were what I was missing in my routine.

Even after watching the videos, I still didn't recognize that my shampoos were too clarifying (despite being natural and sulfate free). It wasn't until I saw a CIK stylist who evaluated my hair and discussed my products, that I understood what I needed to change in my regimen.

Even though their delivery is harsh, the As deserve their respect and their knowledge is not only helpful but critical.

I definitely needed a cut. Getting a stylist was very important. I may not love my cut but it is way better than the no shape I had before.

 

[DVAntDany]

I agree that these are great gems from the digital salon and their teachings.

The shampoo spectrum was probably the most important for me and it is what enabled me to do a wash and go. Without this change I don't think it would have worked.

The second was emulsifying product. Who knew that would make such a difference.

I had never heard of a topper or at least was unaware it was a technique. And the explanation of how and when to use it is key.

Some of the other things I still have not learned yet. But maybe in time.

Another thing I picked up is to know which products to use for the style you are trying to achieve. I've always used gels for my twists and they say no gel. I have yet to do a twist but I am want to see if I can do twists with a leave in and one product. I'm not sold yet But willing to try it.

Im not sure if it was made very clear to me what a topper was actually for in the initial explanation. Only until the 10Q and some outside vids was it made fully know on what to use them for and better yet what not to use them for.

There is an emphasis on stylers not really giving different looks but instead perform differently. For instance, a cream styler will look the same as a gel styler (I’m guessing while wet), but will have a castless soft hold that will not last as long as the gel. I guess they are saying it that way without directly saying that product won’t change your curl pattern. Or maybe I’m just dense and missed it.

 

[DVAntDany]

I think I'm going to try with just UFD for a while. Last year when I did just UFD my sets seemed to last 3 to 5 days. Recently it seems like my sets only last about 2 even though my hair is longer. I'm not really sure though. I'm going to have to pay more attention. But when I reset this week I will just use UFD and see how that goes. I may need to hold ICH for the summer when there is more humidity.

I’m not sure what vid it was but Aeleise (you know I had to look up her name otherwise it would be Glasses) was saying to just use solely UFD for a while. Then see how it works. After experiencing it for for some time, determine what you would like to improve if anything.

What made you decide to no longer use UFD by itself or switch to other products? Was it because it didn’t last a full week?

 

[DVAntDany]

I just did my mid-week wash using CR Style Setter, Earthtones Max Enhancing Gelly as my base, and Trepadora Acai Berry Gel as my topper. Y'all were right about that Earthtones! Great definition and hold, AND my hair dried quickly. I'd say it's just below Jello Shot in terms of hold, but my hair is much softer.

Could you tell me more about the Trepadora Açaí Berry Gel? The descriptions sound more appealing than the Papaya Slip and it’s on the recommended list.

 

[DVAntDany]

Yay someone else tried the earthtones gel! I’m glad you like it!

Y’all tell more about this gel please. It was briefly mentioned in a vid as an option for those not living in the US.

 

[DVAntDany]

These two things plus heat drying AND consulting with a CIK stylist, were what I was missing in my routine.

Even after watching the videos, I still didn't recognize that my shampoos were too clarifying (despite being natural and sulfate free). It wasn't until I saw a CIK stylist who evaluated my hair and discussed my products, that I understood what I needed to change in my regimen.

Even though their delivery is harsh, the As deserve their respect and their knowledge is not only helpful but critical.

I really want to go to a CIK stylist for a cut, but I’m a bit scared. I had a completely failed experience with a Deva Cut specialist in the past. I guess it makes sense to check out their work before booking an appointment.

What made you choose your CIK stylist beyond being within driving range?

 

[faithVA]

I’m not sure what vid it was but Aeleise (you know I had to look up her name otherwise it would be Glasses) was saying to just use solely UFD for a while. Then see how it works. After experiencing it for for some time, determine what you would like to improve if anything.

What made you decide to no longer use UFD by itself or switch to other products? Was it because it didn’t last a full week?

Last year I did use UFD by itself because the ICH gave me terrible results initially. After a few months I added the ICH and it worked well. But this is my first year with all of this and my first year going through seasons. This is my first winter wearing wash and goes. I know last year my wash and go lasted a full 5 days. Right now it looks rough on day 2 which seems odd to me. It will last 3 days but it doesn't last 5 days.

The issue could be many things but I am going to start with simplifying and then adding back in. I may not need a topper in the winter since the humidity is different. And I know I'm still trying to figure out how much water is enough water.

It's just a learning curve. It's been a year but still not long enough for me to figure out all of the details.

 

[faithVA]

I really want to go to a CIK stylist for a cut, but I’m a bit scared. I had a completely failed experience with a Deva Cut specialist in the past. I guess it makes sense to check out their work before booking an appointment.

What made you choose your CIK stylist beyond being within driving range?

I looked at all of the stylists in the digital salon curl directory. Then I followed people on Facebook and Instagram. I communicated with them to see how they responded. I had a virtual salon visit with my stylist before I had a real visit. I need a certain personality for a stylist. Although they are good it wouldn't work well for me if I had a stylist like glasses.

If you find someone close by, you can always just go for a CCS without the cut and see how you like them. Your first visit doesn't have to be a cut.

 

[Nightingale]

I really want to go to a CIK stylist for a cut, but I’m a bit scared. I had a completely failed experience with a Deva Cut specialist in the past. I guess it makes sense to check out their work before booking an appointment.

What made you choose your CIK stylist beyond being within driving range?

I stalked her social media for months. I wanted to know if she regularly dealt with hair like mine and if I liked the cuts she gave her clients. She (Sonnie) is also regularly featured by the As, so I went ahead and took a leap of faith.

 

[DVAntDany]

Last year I did use UFD by itself because the ICH gave me terrible results initially. After a few months I added the ICH and it worked well. But this is my first year with all of this and my first year going through seasons. This is my first winter wearing wash and goes. I know last year my wash and go lasted a full 5 days. Right now it looks rough on day 2 which seems odd to me. It will last 3 days but it doesn't last 5 days.

The issue could be many things but I am going to start with simplifying and then adding back in. I may not need a topper in the winter since the humidity is different. And I know I'm still trying to figure out how much water is enough water.

It's just a learning curve. It's been a year but still not long enough for me to figure out all of the details.

Your plan of action makes sense.

I’m starting to see it’s a learning curve also and I’ve barely started.

That’s how I’m feeling about my current styler combo. I’m not sure what I’m using the Aunt Jackie’s flaxseed gel for besides it being a recommended combo topper. I think I preferred my prior results without it.

 

[colorful_coils]

Could you tell me more about the Trepadora Açaí Berry Gel? The descriptions sound more appealing than the Papaya Slip and it’s on the recommended list.

Of course! I've tried both the Acai Berry and the Papaya Slip with a variety of base gels. I find that the Acai Berry adds more hold than the Papaya, but they both give me the same anti-humidity behavior (no extra frizz when it's humid out). The Acai Berry helps my hair dry faster (not sure what causes that).

The one thing to be careful of is that the Acai Berry has protein in it, so the Papaya Slip may be a good alternative if you want to avoid protein and are just looking for anti-humidity benefits.

 

[GettingKinky]

Im not sure if it was made very clear to me what a topper was actually for in the initial explanation. Only until the 10Q and some outside vids was it made fully know on what to use them for and better yet what not to use them for.

There is an emphasis on stylers not really giving different looks but instead perform differently. For instance, a cream styler will look the same as a gel styler (I’m guessing while wet), but will have a castless soft hold that will not last as long as the gel. I guess they are saying it that way without directly saying that product won’t change your curl pattern. Or maybe I’m just dense and missed it.

I don’t quite agree with this. I get a very different look from low hold stylers. My curl pattern doesn’t change, but with low hold stylers (Doux, UFD alone, Briogeo coil custard) I get a much fluffier/voluminous set. And even if I go 6-7 days with double gel, I never get the same volume and fluffiness.

 

[DVAntDany]

@faithVA and @Nightingale I think I will have to do some stalking and virtual consultations. In the past, I never gave myself the opportunity to wear my twa as a style. I always hid it as I tried to grow it out. I’m not doing that again. I want my hair to look intentional.

 

[colorful_coils]

Y’all tell more about this gel please. It was briefly mentioned in a vid as an option for those not living in the US.

They're based in Canada, so it's a really good option if that's where you're located. This is my first time using it and it's really comparable to Ecoslay's Jello Shot if you've ever used that. It has much stronger hold than gels like UFD or Curl Maker. It was very hard for me to emulsify it properly though because of its consistency.

 

[DVAntDany]

Of course! I've tried both the Acai Berry and the Papaya Slip with a variety of base gels. I find that the Acai Berry adds more hold than the Papaya, but they both give me the same anti-humidity behavior (no extra frizz when it's humid out). The Acai Berry helps my hair dry faster (not sure what causes that).

The one thing to be careful of is that the Acai Berry has protein in it, so the Papaya Slip may be a good alternative if you want to avoid protein and are just looking for anti-humidity benefits.

Thanks. I didn’t think about the proteins. I’m a gloss and shine addict.

That is interesting that that one dries faster. I do know the description for the Bamboo Ginseng Curling Glaze states that it speeds up drying time.

 

[DVAntDany]

I don’t quite agree with this. I get a very different look from low hold stylers. My curl pattern doesn’t change, but with low hold stylers (Doux, UFD alone, Briogeo coil custard) I get a much fluffier/voluminous set. And even if I go 6-7 days with double gel, I never get the same volume and fluffiness.

I’m trying to understand that statement also. Your observation is the same as mine.

 

[DVAntDany]

They're based in Canada, so it's a really good option if that's where you're located. This is my first time using it and it's really comparable to Ecoslay's Jello Shot if you've ever used that. It has much stronger hold than gels like UFD or Curl Maker. It was very hard for me to emulsify it properly though because of its consistency.

I’m totally US based. Glasses didn’t mention much about it except it’s an option. I have never tried the any of the products you mentioned just yet. I’ll be ordering stuff soon.

 

[DVAntDany]

@oneastrocurlie I went ahead and applied for the Target Red Card Debit.

 

[HappyAtLast]

OMG. I wasn't trying to make anyone buy anything. You can get the same effect from your shower I typically don't do my head until mid day though which is why I need the steamer. And my hair is on the short and dry side. Are you sure you need a steamer?

Definitely!

 

[oneastrocurlie]

I never thought to do that. I don’t shop at Target too often due to the distance, but I’ll look into it.

Are they doing it like Walmart online? Walmart has nothing to do with the vendors selling on their site. So returns or issues that require customer service is not always easy. I worry about items being counterfeit too much like EBay and Amazon.

Returns are easy peasy. It'll usually say if it's from another vendor but 99% of the time it's from Target's store or warehouse.

 

[faithVA]

Definitely!

OK . Well if you are sure I tried to stop her y'all.

 

[toaster]

Y’all tell more about this gel please. It was briefly mentioned in a vid as an option for those not living in the US.

It’s definitely available in the US from curlydew.com

It’s a strong hold gel that’s botanical base. I like it over UFD the best!

 

[colorful_coils]

It’s definitely available in the US from curlydew.com

It’s a strong hold gel that’s botanical base. I like it over UFD the best!

You mix it with other gels? Ooh, now I want to try that. Does that combo make your hair crispy?

 

[toaster]

You mix it with other gels? Ooh, now I want to try that. Does that combo make your hair crispy?

My hair definitely has a hard cast the first day, but softens over 4-5 days! I like it a lot!

 

[EmmJaii]

The most important things I learned from the digital salon were

- the shampoo spectrum (this was truly new to me)
- get hair super wet before adding shampoo
- use LOTS of water at every step
- use LOTS of gel
- the use of a topper gel
- emulsify your products
- detangle thoroughly
- rake stylers through hair thoroughly
- how to diffuse (I had been cupping my hair in the diffuser)
- the best way for me to wear a buff (pulled down on my head like a hat)

I’m sure I learned many more things in my time there, but for me these were the most important things that gave me a good looking WnG

Can you elaborate on what you mean by the way you wear a buff? Is it different from the way Aisha wear hers? Just curious because your hair always looks great for multiple days!