How I Control My Shedding

I am currently 9 weeks post relaxer and I was having crazy shedding starting at 7 weeks posts. Well not crazy but shedding that was bothering me so what I did was I decided to start using my ORS Hair Mayonnaise 1 week earlier to control the shedding. I combined my homemade garlic oil with my deep conditioner, just to try and ensure that I get as much control over my shedding as possible. So below is what I did to control my shedding and I am beyond happy with the results and will continue to use this method during my hair journey. When I am past 8 weeks post I use my garlic oil once a week and mix it with a deep conditioner of my choice.

1.       Before I started I decided to also to do a black tea rinse to help with the shedding. So I took 3 Lipton tea bags (just the plain Lipton Tea bags from my kitchen cupboard) boiled it in 3 cups of water and allowed it to cool, I then proceeded to wash my hair.

2.       I used a protein based shampoo to clean my hair, which was my Aphogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair. I lathered twice. Then I towel blotted my hair.

3.       After washing my hair I applied the black tea rinse to my hair and let it sit. (The black tea rinse can change your hair colour over time, but my hair is dark so I’m fine with that) 

4.       Next I took about 3-4 tablespoons of my Hair Mayonnaise and placed that in a mixing bowl and combined 1 ½ tablespoon of my homemade garlic oil and some castor oil let it sit for 5 minutes then applied it to my hair as if I was applying a relaxer. I basically focused the conditioner on my scalp to nourish the hair roots.

5.       I placed a plastic cap over my hair and deep conditioned under my hooded dryer for 30 minutes on warm setting.

6.       Following the dryer I let the conditioner stay on my hair for another 4 hours (will I did stuff around the house)

7.       After the 4 hours I rinsed my hair in the shower I then applied my Tresemme Moisture Rich conditioner for 3 minutes then I did my final rinse.

After washing I used my after wash products – Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In, Crème of Nature Argon Oil Strength and Shine Leave-In, a little ORS Hairepair Intense Moisture Crème, and finally some Argon Oil to seal in the moisture.  So that is what I will continue to do to control my shedding. This is what a hair journey is about learning as you go along. Did I mention that my hair was super, super soft and super strong, but not crunchy strong like some products will leave your hair after a protein treatment. If you’re experiencing mild to excessive shedding you can try the method and see if it works for your hair.

My Review of The Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner

I have used this conditioner during my hair journey and it has been fabulous. My hair completely loves this stuff. Before i purchased this conditioner I was using the Keracare Humecto conditioner (the one in the small brown bottle) it seemed to be an okay conditioner but for the price i was expecting more. When i purchased the large tub of the conditioner the result was a lot better, but the price was just crazy. So i went in search of a conditioner of equal or greater results. I stumbled upon ORS Replenishing Conditioner in my local beauty supply store and the ingredients seemed okay to me so i figured why not. Normally i would go to the internet first to see reviews from other persons and then i would decide whether to take the risk and try a product. I washed my hair using the ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo which i use after my relaxers. Then i proceeded to apply the conditioner. Once i opened the conditioner i was in love, the conditioner has this nice  citrus fragrance that was just heavenly. I then placed the conditioner into a mixing bowl and added my oils. I let it set for about two minutes then i sectioned my hair and applied it to my new growth (i was about 7 weeks post) first then the length of my hair. I placed my plastic cap over my hair then sat under the dryer for about 30 minutes after which i began to do other things around the house. So the conditioner was in my hair for about 5 hours. When i was rinsing my hair it was just so soft and full of slip. It felt strong but at the same time soft. After air drying i began to detangle my hair from the ends up and to my surprise i only had 7 hair strands on my counter. For someone at 7 weeks post that  was amazing, also considering that this is not a heavy protein conditioner. My new growth was so soft and manageable.

My final take is that most people consider this conditioner a light protein conditioner i consider it a light moisture and light protein conditioner. For my hair it does both. I use this conditioner every other week when i am not using my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. For me too much moisture is not a good thing so i try and balance it out using a light protein conditioner in between my heavy protein treatments. I have used this conditioner many times to me the results are lot better when you use heat, when i didn’t use heat my hair felt the same after i rinsed but after two to three days the feeling went then i decided to do a co-wash to add some moisture and softness to my hair. This conditioner also adds a light shine to my hair. I have decided to use this conditioner every week after 6 weeks post, just to ensure that my relaxed hair is getting plenty of protein and moisture (light protein) and that my new growth is getting plenty of moisture.

If you decide to try this product you can purchase the small packet at your local beauty supply store before purchasing the big bottle.

All i can say is that i love this conditioner; i will forever have it in my regimen. I  give this conditioner **** :) 

My Castor Oil Regimen

Castor Oil is definitely an oil that you want to include in your regimen. Castor oil aids in thickening the hair and supposedly increases hair growth. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial so for all the ladies out there with dandruff and other scalp issues this oil will definitely help with that. Did i mention that castor oil is a humectant so it will constantly draw moisture from the air around you, leaving your hair soft and moisturized. I apply castor oil to the scalp once or twice a week depending on my schedule. The length of time that the castor oil stays in my hair is about 3-4 days. I tend to apply it on Wednesdays and I wash my hair on Sundays. I apply it directly to my scalp and then the rest of the hair paying special attention to the ends. For the rest of the week the hair would be worn in a ponytail or bun. Now i wouldn’t suggest you go crazy and apply too much to your hair, because it will definitely weight your hair down. Also i tend to go between using straight castor oil and my mixed castor oil (castor oil, olive oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, almond oil). Also don’t stress yourself looking for different types of castor oil (health store brand, Jamaican, pharmacy brand) from my research there seems to be no real difference. However make sure the one you purchase says pure or 100% there should be no additives.

If you have used castor oil tell me about you experiences, whether you like it or not.

Product of the Month - August 2012

August -2012

Crème of Nature – Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo (Sulfate-Free)

After purchasing the Intensive Conditioning Treatment and loving it, we decided to try the shampoo. All I can say is WOW. This shampoo does exactly what it says it will. It definitely adds moisture and shine to the hair. The added factor is that it is a sulfate free shampoo – love this!!! . Also argon oil is the seventh ingredient listed.

When using the product a little does go a long way, on the first use I thought this couldn’t be sulfate free. Having used previous sulfate free shampoos I thought I would have to use a good bit of the product to create a decent lather. With this shampoo it’s the complete opposite, a little makes a crazy lather. This shampoo gives amazing slip, it make detangling a breeze.

If you are looking for a shampoo that will provide moisture, shine and at the same time cleaning your hair and leaving it tangle free then this is the product for you.  

Hair Regimen for First Timers - Basic

Hair Regimen for First Timers - Basic

Many person dream of having long and healthy relaxed hair but many of the persons who dream of this don’t take the necessary steps to achieve this. Many women with relaxed hair complain that their hair never gets past their ears, necks or even shoulders. Unlike other races, African hair is the driest of them all, and as such is prone to breakage. To combat this breakage you need to add moisture to the hair daily. When I say adding moisture I don’t mean oiling your scalp of hair with hair oil or petroleum based products. Use water based moisturizers these don’t sit on top of the hair but penetrate into the hair shaft and add the much needed moisture to the hair. Hair oil (not natural oils) will only sit on top of the hair coating the hair and giving the appearance that the hair is moisturized when it’s not.

Starting a regimen is what you should do when you are looking to achieve a goal for your hair. Whether you want long hair, or just to improve the overall health of your hair creating a regimen is the way to go. What a regimen does is that is provides a guideline for you to follow whether daily or weekly. An example of a basic regimen is displayed below.

Shampoo – once a week

Deep condition – once a week

Moisturizing – daily

Moisturizing and sealing the hair – nightly (this is when you apply a moisturizer to the ends of your hair and then apply a natural oil – olive oil, coconut, almond, etc over the moisturizer)   

           

Protein Treatment – once a month (if you are unable to get a protein treatment as most are expensive you may opt to use an egg or two and add your oils to the egg. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let sit for 30 minutes then rinse out)

Relax hair – every 8 weeks or more

Wearing protective hairstyles – to protect the ends of your hair to avoid breakage, styles such as – buns, ponytails, etc.)

Co-wash – once a week (this is optional, if during the week your hair feels dry and you wish to add moisture you may wash the hair using a conditioner of your choice)  

So that was a basic hair regimen the items that you will need to make this regimen work are as followed:

1.       Moisturizing Shampoo

2.       Moisturizing Conditioner

3.       Protein Conditioner (Light)

4.       Clarifying Shampoo ( To rid hair of product build up leaving the hair extremely clean)

5.       Protein Treatment (Medium eg. Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise, -Heavy Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment )

6.       Moisturizer

7.       Leave – In Conditioner

8.       Natural Oils – any of the following (Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Argon Oil)

9.       Wide Tooth Com

10.   Heat Protectant  

As you get more into your regimen you will add new products or procedures as you learn more about your hair. Just stick to it and I guarantee you will see results, just don't expect them to happen over night!!!

Product of the Month - July 2012

July – 2012

Crème of Nature – Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

This conditioner is not a thick conditioner but the consistency is perfect for that of a conditioner. I find that thick conditioners tend to penetrate the hair shaft better. The conditioner will give your hair amazing slip, moisture and unbelievable shine. This product has argon oil almost at the beginning of the ingredient’s list….actually it is number ten. Also what makes this a great moisturizing conditioner is that it has glycerin as the second ingredient – as you should know glycerin is extremely moisturizing to hair. This conditioner does also have protein, however it is not overwhelming to be considered a protein conditioner at best it maybe a light protein at the most. To me however it acts like a moisturizing conditioner.

The direction says apply to shampooed hair, cover with plastic cap, and sit under a hooded dryer for 10-15 minutes. How I use this is to apply the conditioner to the hair before shampooing. I tend to use heat for about 15 minutes then they will leave the product on for about another 2-6 hours while doing other stuff around the house. I tend to deep condition on Sundays so there tend to be a lot of household chores to be done, so we just apply the conditioner to the hair cover it and forget about it. Once I rinse the product from the hair you feel the difference it is immensely soft, shining and to some extent it feels much stronger. I also should mention that I also add my oil mix to the conditioner. This conditioner has now joined our regimen and will most likely stay there for a very long time.

If you have thin or thick hair that seems to never be moisturized I would recommend this product for you to try. If you are able to get the sample pack, you may want to try this before purchasing the bottle, but none the less you will not be disappointed with this conditioner.

Relaxed Haircare 101......How the Journey Began

So this blog is a bit late, to be precise about a year late. I started taking care of my hair in August of 2011. I had been doing a lot of terrible stuff to my hair over the years. Things that I was doing and not knowing the danger and harm that we were doing to my hair. I was at a point where my hair was the shortest it was ever in my life, it was at that point that i began to focus on regaining my once long and healthy hair. This I did by purchasing some basic supplies, however there still was no change so I went online and began researching how to care for relaxed hair. So this is the result of a year of relaxed hair care 101, along the way we have encountered challenges, i had persons join the movement. So at the time of starting this blog I am taking care of my hair and my younger daughter's hair both of us have seen amazing transformation in the overall health and length of our hair. I believe in sharing my success with others who want to achieve the same.