So I actually accidentally deleted this post a couple monthsago. The good thing is however, I have changed around a couple of my steps, sothis is an updated version! Here’s what I do on wash day:
1. Detangle (occasionally I would deep conditionthe night before)
2. Shampoo (every other wash is a cowash)
3. Condition
4. Deep condition
5. Wash
6. Style and dry
On the regular, here is what I do:
· Each night: mist with a water/oil mix
· Each morning: shower without a shower cap to let my hair get some moisturenaturally
· Every other wash: protein treatment
A little more detail….
(By the way, the products are used are just what I find workwell for MY hair. It may not do the same wonders for you! Feel free to use whatyou’d like!)
Step 1: Detangle Time:About 10-15 minutes
First things first! No matter what style my hair was in theday/night before I decided to wash, I always FINGER detangle. I wet my hair, orsometimes I may add some conditioner and water. I go through my entire head ofhair, looking for tangles and knots (YES! Everyone gets knots!). I estimated thetime to be between 10 and 15 minutes, but if you do it faster, that is okay.
Step 2: Shampoo Time:About 10-15 minutes
To do this step, I section my hair into four bug parts. Iwash each part separately, and do a big twist when I have applied the shampoo.When I wash, I mostly focus on washing my roots because the suds will traveldown your hair shaft on its own. When Ihave applied shampoo to all for sections, I wash my hair section by section,and retwist for the application of my conditioner. What I use: Giovanni Smooth as Silk shampoo (Walmart $7)
Step 3: Conditioner Time:About 10-15 minutes
So after I add shampoo, I add conditioner in the samemanner. Apply it o the 4 separate sections, retwisting after each application,wash out in sections, and retwist for deep conditioning. What I use:Giovanni Smooth as Silk conditioner (Walmart $7)
Step 4: Deep Conditioner Time:30 minutes- 1 hour (varies a whole lot)
This step is the biggest change in my regimen. Last year, Ideep conditioned the night before/ about 30 minutes before I washed every time.Not I do after I shampoo because after adding shampoo your hair may be a littlestripped and deep conditioning can replenish it smack in the middle of yourwhole wash process. Whenever you chose to do it is okay, however. Applying mydeep conditioner is the almost same as the application of shampoo andconditioner. Add it in the four sections, but instead of washing my hair, Ileave the conditioner on and put a shower cap on for about an hour. During thistime, I find it’s useful to do my chores or something so I’m never wastingtime! What I use: Bear Fruit HairShea and Coconut Leave in Conditioner, which can be found online (about $13) ORmy homemade mix which contains EVOO, honey, and sometimes avocado (heated). Igo into even more detail about the process, though here.
Step 5: Wash! Time:About 5 minutes
This is the final step of the wash process. At this point, Ilet my twists down and wash my hair while stretching it. (You could also washby sections… doesn’t matter how you do it… as long as you get all the sudsout!)
Step 6: Style and Dry Time:Anywhere between 1 and 3 hours lol
Now depending on what you chose to do with your hair, it cantake a really long time, so make sure you’ve planned accordingly. If I’mstyling my hair for an occasion, I will do something nice to it, However, if I’mjust twisting to let it dry and protect my ends, I’ll usually do small tomedium twists all around my head because I love the definition that resultswhen take it down. What I use (staples): a Moisturizing mix: water (mostly), coconut oil, jojoba oil, Bearfruithair moisturizer, olive oil; Shea butter, sometimes I'll use my Aussie spray on gel (less flaking!), bobby pins (of course!), banana clip, small scarf (to use as headband), satin bonnet
No heat challenge: Idon’t use heat that much on my hair, but I’m trying not to use any heat AT ALLthis year. Sometimes after twisting I’d sit under an overhead dryer for about20-30 minutes, but not this year! I just let my hair air dry, usually overnight. I also used to deep condition by sitting under the dryer for about 30minutes, but I don’t do that anymore either. Your body’s natural heat with ashower cap does the same job.
Everyday regimen:
Each night I spray my mist my hair with water and coat withcoconut oil. In the morning, when I’m showering, I usually do it without ashower cap now because my hair likes the natural moisture. Every other wash, Ido a protein treatment, which is instead of using conditioner in my for my deepconditioner, I use my vegetable glycerin protein (iherb.com). I also hunt for split ends once a month.
Tips:
· Be sure you’re constantly running your fingersthrough your hair to avoid any knots forming.
· Try to avoid as much heat as possible
· Listen to your hair! Pick the products thatproduce results!
· Be patient, and stick to your regimen! Your hair will love you for it!
