Hair Regimen and Product Staples

My Regimen

(as of July 2012)

Wash/Co-wash 1-2 times per week (Shampoo wash/Clarify only when needed)

Deep Condition every week before Co-wash

Moisturize and Seal 1-2 times a day

Washing

Preparation (Detangling and Deep Condition): Separate hair into four sections. Dampen with water and finger detangle each section making sure to remove shed hair. Apply Deep Conditioner to each section after detangling. This helps to prevent any knots and tangles while I wash/co-wash my hair. It also adds an extra boost of moisture for the washing process. I usually deep condition for AT LEAST 45 minutes.

Co-Wash/Clarify: I Co-Wash my hair every week to retain moisture. Shampooing only when I feel product build-up. I Shampoo wash/Clarify at least once a month. I always Clarify first and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo before deep conditioning.

Drying

Drying: Using the T-shirt Method, I dry my hair for 20-30 minutes before removing the T-shirt to allow my hair to Air Dry. Using the T-shirt allows me to remove excess water from my hair without snagging or lifting the hair cuticle. This prevents frizz and improves the smoothness and shine of the hair, which makes for easier, more beautiful styling. 

Leave-In: Apply leave-ins after T-shirt drying. I apply one of my leave-ins (a liquid leave-in) during my T-shirt drying method to ensure that the leave-in is soaked up by the hair. This leaves my hair soft and smelling gooooood ^__^ 

I apply my second, creamy leave-in after T-shirt drying to let it prep my hair for Air Drying.

I T-shirt/Air Dry after every wash, except for when I decide to apply heat. If I do, then I'll T-shirt dry just until the excess water is gone.

Styling

"The Prep" Moisturize and Seal: I M'n'S every night to upkeep the moisture in my hair. Always done before styling.

Everyday No Heat Styling: My style of choice are twist outs. Done on damp, moisturized hair, I flat twist my hair into several twists and secure the ends in finger pin curls or flexirods. 

Maintenance: I dampen my hair with water and apply a bit of my moisturizer throughout. Pull my hair into a loose, high Pineapple (or ponytail) for maintenance.

"Exception to the Rule" Heat Styling:  I always use a heat protectant before applying any form of heat. I ONLY blow-dry my hair on a High Warm heat setting. This means that the temperature is warm, but the air pressure is high. This ensures that my hair dries quicker, lessening the chances of heat damage.

Staple Products

Shampoo/Clarifier: Apple Cider Vinegar (Clarify)

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisturizing Sulfate Free Shampoo (Moisturizing Shampoo)

Co-Wash Conditioners: Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Silicone Free Conditioner

Herbal Essences Hydralicious Feather Weight Conditioner

Deep Conditioner: Crece Pelo Treatment for Hair Growth Deep Conditioner

Aussie Moist 3-Minute Miracle

Leave-Ins: Creme of Nature Argan Oil Strength and Shine Leave-in (Liquid Leave-in: Protein)

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream (Protein)

Moisturizer and Sealant: Water sealed in with my Shea Butter mix

Heat Protectant: Grape Seed Oil

Styling Tools: Wide Tooth Comb ***Rarely Used

Soft Boar Bristle Brush ***Rarely Used

Goody Hair Bands

Goody Bobby Pins
David Babaii for Wild Aid Hair Dryer

**** I finger detangle 99% of the time ****