Hair Regimen

My Hair Regimen

Tip: It's important to pay attention to what your hair needs as well as make adjustments to your regimen as needed. There's no "rule." :)

Date of Last Relaxer - February 3, 2012
Date of Big Chop - August 5, 2012

According to the last time I checked, my hair is low porosity.

Date of my shortest hair cut: March 16, 2017

Detangling
Since my hair is very coily, I detangle mostly with my fingers. When I detangle with a comb it's usually the last few inches or so or a knot that I can't remove with my fingers... and only when needed. Here is an example of a detangling session: https://youtu.be/eW8_fMtVqII

Co-wash or Shampoo & Condition (whichever is needed at the time) - about every 3-5 days

Note: I currently prefer to wash my hair over the tub or sink rather than in the shower. I've found for me, since my hair grows upward rather than down, it helps me remove shed hair easier when washing my hair "upward." (The whole washing and clean up process is much faster too.) It also helps keep my skin clear of excess product that can cause breakouts. ;)

Shampooing- I have finally found some amazing shampoo and conditioning combos that work and have changed the game for me! Y'all know Ms. Fro was not a fan of shampoo for a very long time! However, these two work better for me than cowashing.
I love them!
https://youtu.be/Skwr2M7GL4w
https://youtu.be/MEQsVOmKz8c

Deep Conditioning: I tend to slack in this area, but I'm trying to do better. I usually would add my products to my hair and cover it with a plastic grocery bag or shower cap. Then, I would sit under the dryer for 20-30 min. If I don't want to use the dryer, I sit with nothing covering my hair or use the plastic bag or shower cap anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour +. Also, the Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap has been a great edition to my deep conditioning sessions. Sometimes I do my deep conditioning sessions as more of a "Pre poo" session/treatment instead. The results are actually pretty much the same if not better. It honestly just depends on how I'm feeling. :)

For moisturizing on freshly washed hair:
I currently bounce between the LOC, LOCO & LCO methods depending on the products I'm using. Sometimes I add layers and sometimes I remove layers. It depends... There is really no rule and as I've matured as a naturalista, I don't think about it as much.
I just try to pay attention to what my hair needs at the time and handle her accordingly. Now in 2017, sometimes I don’t even have to use an actual “leave in” or “moisturizer” to get the job done. ;)
;)

Here are a few "methods" I've used in rotation on Ms. Fro over the years:

* On wash days, from Sept 2012 to Sept 2013 I used a version of the LOC method.
L- water, leave in, or mist
O- (penetrating oil) - olive oil & avocado butter
C- creamy leave in or cream)

* As of Sept 2013 on wash days, I started trying out the LOCO method.
L-water or leave in/ mist
O-(penetrating oil)- avocado oil,
C- creamy leave in or cream
O- (sealing oil) grapeseed oil or other sealing product)

LCO method
L- water/ leave in ( can be liquid or creamy)
C- Creamy moisturizer/ conditioner etc.
O- Sealing oil or sealing product

* After moisturizing on wash days, I apply styler/gel of choice (optional)

If I wash my hair at night: I set my hair in my desired style if setting on wet hair, and air dry my hair over night or I like to use a blowdryer or sit under the dryer (cool/warm setting) for 15 - 30 minutes and then finish air drying overnight.

If want to set my hair on damp or mostly dry hair: I would pre dry my hair under the dryer for 10- 20 minutes or use a blowdryer to get my hair to the desired dryness before setting it in twists etc.

If I wash my hair during the day: I'll use a blowdryer with a diffuser, sit under the dryer (cool/warm setting), or air dry.

NOTE: As my hair gets longer and takes longer to air dry, I use my soft bonnet dryer way more often. It allows me more freedom and quicker wash days. It also keeps my scalp from getting irritated/smelly (I know, gross right lol) from being wet for long periods of time. I currently have the Laila Ali Soft Bonnet Dryer and the Hot Tools hard hat dryer. I also use my Conair Blow dryer or my Revlon dryer.

UPDATE 2017: I have since cut my hair very short and I still find that my hair and scalp respond better when I use a dryer with a diffuser vs air drying. ;)

Night Routine
At night, I moisturize if needed and prep my hair for the style I'm choosing to wear. (re-twisting, re-braiding, goody clips, hair pins, banding, flexi rods, rollers, or nothing at all. :) It depends lol!)

* Sleep with satin pillowcase, skirt slip, satin/ satin like scarf, or SLAPS satin cap

* Clarify as needed

* Protein treatment as needed

* Trim, cut, or "dust" hair as needed or as desired

* "Search and destroy" single strand knots as needed (They're going to happen...)

* I do not wear protective styles such as: braids, extensions, wigs, weaves, etc. As a personal preference, I'm hands on with my hair 99% of the time. :)

Here are my most recent hair updates! As you see, I am currently dealing with some issues with Iron Deficiency Anemia along with some other health issues... This has been a huge struggle for me but I know with The Lord's help, I will get through this! :)