Hair Update | Have A Game Plan

January 24th, 2011 at 9:44 pm.

:here’s mine:

I began implementing the ultimate hair game plan in light of my newfound quest for healthier hair, with length retention. A few weeks ago I took pen to paper & began to slowly outline my approach, which would include minor alterations to my current routine. Nothing major, yet practicing and improving on a few techniques and committing to an even better deep conditioning practice is a top priority.

What I’ll focus on: Deep Conditioning

Once a week I’m committed to applying a DC to my hair for a minimum of 1hr.

  • 1 Henna Gloss
  • 1 Bentonite Clay/(mixed with varied essential oils, ACV etc.)
  • 1 Rhassoul Clay Treatment (still deciding on the Anita Grant block or purchasing the clay from another retailer)
  • 1 Freebie pass at a nourishing deep conditioner from either past favorites (Curl Rehab, Dacry’s Deep Conditioning Mask, etc.) or new ones that’ve been on the ‘get’list for a while
  • **possible investment** Hair Steamer. The Huetiful Steamer has been on my radar for some time, & I’m strongly considering investing

Cleansing: More focus on Scalp with a Hot Oil Pre-Poo

A while ago, I began applying a Hot Oil Pre-Poo to the scalp using Coconut Oil/Vatica Oil/Lavender Essential Oil – and this has worked great! Worked in using the pads of my fingers & left in for 15minutes under a conditioning cap, and my scalp has experienced less dryness/tightness and hardly any flakes.

Been using the Denman Be-Bop Shampoo Brush to help with detangling while in the shower, and hair has been reacting VERY well. So, to keep with consistency It’s going into the weekly routine. I’ve also upgraded to a bigger, widder tooth comb after the last one broke.

*If you’ve noticed a bit more resistance with detangling as your hair gets longer, try switching to a different, better more durable detangling comb that is seamless with a good handle. I’ve had easier detangling sessions after switching…BUT, a woman is still curious about this dang Tangle Teezer!? Reviews across the board have been favorable, even from a few women with coarse/thick/curly hair…so. (it’s an option:)

Since focusing more on deep conditioning/detangling – the use of a few styling products will have less of a focus. Meaning, more consistency & not switching from a butter moisturizer—>pudding—->styling cream—->gel—->etc. This is mostly to keep myself sane & more focused on the goal.

Stylers:

  • Leave-In Conditioner (KBB Hair Nectar/Sweet Ambrosia  ) +
  • Conditioner (EO’s Moisture Rich/EO’s Everyday Leave-In Weightless Moisture)

Giving myself a bit of leeway as far as products used to seal in moisture and help maintain a 7-day hair for the nightly routine. Leaning more towards products that are light in consistency (KBB’s Hair Cream) so as not to accumulate too much buildup on the scalp. Recently tried Anita Grant’s Whipped Butter & hair very much approves! A small amount emulsified into your hands imparts crazy shine & seals in moisture…#win!

Will I be undergoing protective styling? Still playing this by ear. Hair has been in twists for the past 3 weeks due to colder temps and really no other reason. With colder air, and windier conditions I tend to experience far more tangles and dryness. SO…I’m thinking 3-4 days in twists, followed by 5-7 days of a fab twistout (might also get up the nerve to try a rollerset).

And that.is.all! I’m certain to stumble upon a few minor tweaks down the line, but for now…focusing more on deep conditioning/taking care of the scalp/practicing better detangling/more consistency = healthier hair (?) ( it better!)

15 comments ( Reply )

  1. sarah
    Jan 25, 2011 @ 2:54 pm

    i absolutely refuse to get that Tangle Teezer just on principle!

    Reply

    • chai
      Jan 25, 2011 @ 3:37 pm

      lol! I’ll be the guinea pig:)

      Reply

  2. Chinye
    Jan 26, 2011 @ 12:10 pm

    i feel out of the loop with the tangle teaser. now that scalp scrubber looks like the buisness, but i might just stick to my fingers for now. im happy you found the things you want to work on! prepooing the scalp makes all the difference. i might join ya and henna 1x a month :-)

    Reply

    • chai
      Jan 26, 2011 @ 3:46 pm

      yes!! Henna is my new love, undergoing another session (hopefully) this weekend:)

      Reply

  3. Abii
    Jan 26, 2011 @ 5:20 pm

    Chai

    You’ve got the right idea. I am sitting here trying to pen my routine for when I take out my braids in 2 wks. Just a couple of questions though:

    Is the hot oil treatment the same as an oil rinse (as per your previous post)? If not, what is it?

    Secondly, what would you recommend as the best detangling method for when I take out my braids? My hair is very very coarse and kinky and I am so worried about breakage. Would you recommend wet detangling or dry detangling and then pre-poo treatment?

    Thanks
    Abii

    Reply

    • chai
      Jan 27, 2011 @ 11:03 am

      hey Abii,
      In my book, the hot oil treatment for scalp is different than the oil rinse – I typically heat up the oil and apply directly to my scalp, give it a good massage and proceed with my regular routine after about 10 minutes. Many people apply the typical oil rinse to their hair differently, and I think this develops and changes over time. here’s Anita Grant’s process:

      This is how I oil rinse:
      • Babassu shampoo and rinse as usual.
      • Whilst still in the shower, coat hair with approx. 15ml of nutrient rich oil.
      (Oils high in fatty acids like linoleic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid & triglyceride of fatty acids are best).
      Leave on for no more than 2 mins.
      • Rinse hair and scalp of the oil, first with hot water to open the cuticles then with cooler water to seal in the cuticles.
      (I use an herbal rinse of Organic Coltsfoot)
      • Detangle, air dry and style as usual

      I think the whole idea is not to have the end result look oily and hard to manage, but soft, tangle free. If you try it at first, and it doesn’t work…keep trying! Try a different oil, switch up a few things until you feel comfortable with the results. As far as detangling when you take out the braids…make sure to gently remove any loose, shed hair with your fingers before beginning the process, this should make things easier. Your hair is going to be a bit sensitive at this point, so loading up on a good conditioner with adequate slip (VO5 or Suave work great) and using a wide tooth comb…no brushing! start off slow, and begin detangling section by section until you’re done.

      Reply

  4. Abii
    Jan 29, 2011 @ 8:44 pm

    Thanks Chai, that’s really helpful!

    Reply

  5. GG
    Feb 01, 2011 @ 10:20 pm

    Chai! You are so feeding my product junkyness! LOL. **writing Anita Grant’s Whipped Butter in my journal right now!**

    Lots of great info here. Thanks for that, and sounds like you’ve got a very clear plan laid out.

    Reply

    • chai
      Feb 02, 2011 @ 10:05 am

      lol, GG you’d like it! I love it when I can use a small bit of any hair butter to cover this massive thing on my head…saves me some much needed $$

      Reply

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