The (Not-So-Mini) Twist Journey

I am going on week 3 since I last washed my hair. Now this is a little unconventional for me... I usually wash/cowash my hair every other week (if not every week even!)... I am a LITTLE shocked at myself, but I'm also proud of myself! Truthfully, this isn't something I planned. I know for a act I'm only going on week 3 because I didn't have time this past week to wash it, but unlike my typical routine, I haven't left my hair in its "I'm-about-to-be-washed-so-I'm-not-gonna-be-styled-till-then" look. Lol. I actually did a couple overnight styles, I did a deep condition, and I was very proud of the results! Since I changed my hair so much, I'll put only one or two of each hairstyle.

What I've learned over the past 3 weeks: I used to totally hate moisturizing with just water, but after the curl results I've been getting, I don't even mind the shrinkage! Also, stretching my hair is easier and not as time consuming and I used to assume! Enjoy experimenting :)

Curl Definition

What's the secret to the different kinds of curls I've had in my hair? 1 word: WATER! Yup... It's mostly because of water.
When I make the moisturizer mix I use in my hair, I put some of my moisturizer (bearfruithair.com), some water, and then I add olive oil after (for sealing). Usually when I'm doing my hair, it's not just a little wet... It's DAMP. After my hair is thoroughly moisturized, I'll use a styling tool. Most recently I've used curl formers, I used flexi rods (that was a fail) and most often I've done either flat twits or just loose twists (depending on what look I was going for). Pics below :)

Curl formers

Flat twists

Sealing Moisture

Sealing
I used to have the mentality that water is just not good on my already nappy hair. I already knew that it shrunk my hair, but I also thought that it definitely made my hair fall out... FALSE. In reality, water is one of the BEST natural moisturizers your hair will ever find! Now? Water is a staple on my list of hair products. Plus, you find it everywhere! The only thing you have to remember is to seal in the moisture in your hair. Why? Because our hair is so porous, it takes in moisture easily, but it also loses moisture just as easy. The purpose of using a sealant (preferably something like some type of oil) is to keep your moisture in and to keep your ends alive much longer.
SN: This actually came as a surprise to me as well, but petroleum jelly is not as beneficial to your hair and we commonly think! Petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin products are just filler ingredients.
The best types of oils to use for sealing are coconut, jojoba, olive, and carrot oil.
ALSO! Oils do not moisturize! (Oil is hydrophobic... It HATES water & it will lock all the moisture OUT of your hair. You do NOT want that!)
So add water first (or whatever your primary moisturizer is) and then add the oil!