Hey guys! Happy New Year! I’m excited about this post for two reasons: 1) it is my first post of the new year, and 2) it is about my new hair regimen. When it comes to my hair, I am not above changing something if it means better results. If that means editing my current regimen, I will do it in a heartbeat to give my hair the love it needs and the care it deserves. For 2013, I’ve decided to truly dedicate my time to growing my hair and becoming a healthier person over all. Since this post is about my hair, I will save the health talk until a later time, but be aware that these two things (hair and health) go hand in hand. Without waiting any longer, let’s get into my updated regimen.
Shampoo
- Shampoo once a week, on either Monday or Tuesday
- Alternate between Suave Naturals Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo and Elasta QP Soy Oyl Shampoo
- Use applicator bottle; makes cleaning hair easier.
- Mix with marshmallow root powder to give shampoo extra slip
- Let shampoo sit on hair for a while before washing out. Massage product in scalp to remove dirt & build up.
Co-wash
- Co-wash once a week, or as needed with cheap conditioner mixed with oils, carrier and essential. Add glycerin if needed.
- More than likely will use Suave conditioner
- Mix with marshmallow root powder to give conditioner extra slip
- As with shampoo, use in applicator bottle. It makes getting to your roots easier.
*Right now, I have gotten into co-washing before I shampoo so that my hair still has moisture and is not totally stripped from the shampooing process. It works pretty well.
Deep Condition
- Deep condition 2x a week (if possible)
- Typically, I use Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner and I deep condition overnight
- I plan to incorporate deep conditioning with coconut oil more overnight to strengthen hair during the washing process.
- Moisture conditioner: 2x a month
- Mix up favorite moisturizing conditioners, along with sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and olive oil
- Heavy Protein: Once a month.
- Mix protein conditioners, along with coconut oil.
- Light protein: Once a month
- ApHogee 2 Minute Reconstructor
Moisturize
- Moisturize and seal every night on dry/air dried hair
- Dampen hair with aloe vera juice, water, and EO mix
- Use ceramide rich oils (hemp seed oil) to seal in water and do light scalp massage.
- On top, use shea butter mix.
- Seal in butter mix with coconut or sweet almond oil.
- Detangle
- If bunning, do 3-4 braids.
- If wearing wig, at least 10 braids to lay hair flat.
- If braid out, do medium sized braids.
- Wear bonnet/scarf every night.
New Tools I Want
- Seamless combs (considering Hercules Sagemann combs)
- Roll-ka comb
- Sprushes
- Wig caps (may sew satin inside to keep hair protected from friction)
- Sock buns (sew satin around these too to protect ends)
Natural Products that I want/have
- Marshamallow Root (got it; learn how to grind it well)
- Shea, Mango, and Cocoa butters (so far, I have Shea Butter)
- (Organic & cold pressed) Avocado Oil
- (Organic & cold pressed) Macadamia Nut Oil
- Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- Neem oil
Hair Goals for 2013
- Maintain healthy ends by keeping up with trims and dusting my ends every month. I can not let split ends ruin my progress.
- Grow my hair from full SL (after cut) to around BSL.
- Maintain the health of my hair, both inside and out.
- Wear more protective styles. This means more buns, crochet braids, wigs, french rolls, etc.. Protecting my ends are a must for me if I want to see growth.
- Make a transition into using more natural & homemade products. I really want to make my own gels, hair butters, and the like. This way, I know what is going into my hair and essentially, my body.
- Give my hair the most tender love and care. My hair is important to me. As I would take care of my body, internally and externally, I need to do the same for my hair.
- Use less direct heat on my hair. I’m addicted to my flat iron, y’all. I don’t flat iron my hair every week, or even every month, but I do flat iron a few times a year. I see how my hair handles it and I see that I can cut down on it a little more. I want to transition into more ways to straightening my hair without the flat iron or blow dryer.
- Invest in a steamer. I see so many women with both relaxed and natural hair using steamers and their hair turns out great. With so many raving about how soft and moisturized their hair is after steaming, I’m ready to try it out!
- Fall in love with my hair each and every day.
- Take supplements, exercise, and drink more water than I do. Glowing skin, strong nails, and luscious hair starts from within. If your insides are in great shape, it will show.
Soon, I plan on making my own shea butter mix to see how well it works for my hair. If I love it, I’ll write down my recipe and share it with you all. So far, this is my regimen for 2013. If this changes, you all will know about it. Thank you for reading, and I hope you continue to stick around with me for this year. Your support means everything to me. I hope you all have a great day and I will talk to you all again soon!