I don't use:
Mousse- it makes my scalp itch like hell.
Sulfate shampoo (except for my neutralizing poo)- as well as all other products containing unnatural nono ingredients. Turns out, I learned that sulfates give me acne.
Had to give them up in my body soaps, too.
Conditioner - I found that I don't need it at all. I rinse my scalp and hair on most days and seal with castor oil. I shampoo once a week and seal with oil again. I don't play with the protein-moisture balance stuff; I bypass that whole process altogether. Time will tell if this is OK, but so far, so good. I experience zero breakage and damage.
Deep condish- see above for reason
Protein (except during my touch-up)- see above for reason
Hair spray- I use gel or oil instead. I don't do styles that need spray anyway.
Heat, heat protectant, heat whatever- I don't use heat. I'm convinced it kills my hair on instant contact.
Conventional "Moisturizer"- I wet my hair and seal with castor oil. I might consider utilizing butters in the future though.
Leave-ins- see above for reason
..........
I believe in KISS and I strive to have the greatest hair possible with the least amount of effort
.
The first time around, when I first started growing my hair in 2007, I had reached MBL by 2010.
It was amazing for a relaxed 4b like me, but I think I started doing too much- you know, playing chemist with my regimen...just because, why not? I was trying new things- adding in ACV, this protein treatment, that new strange conditioner.
I was also using A LOT of heat. My approach to relaxing was also flawed.
My hair started to break off, leaving one nice big gap in the middle of my mane, starting at my neck. It looked awful, so I had to cut it.
This time around, I cut out all the unnecessary stuff and decided that I'd add back the products in as needed. So far, I've been able to keep it to two staples 95% of time: water and my wonderful castor oil. I lightly shampoo as needed (since castor oil builds up quickly), which is usually every 3-7 days. Occasionally, I add jojoba, but it's very seldom since castor oil usually suffices.
If I succeed, this time next year, I'll let y'all know how it all turns out. lol