This Week’s Wash Routine

15 Month into Transition

A few texture shots…This week, I wore my hair for 3 days in a Twist-N-Curl and then towards the end of the week when my curls didn’t looks so fresh, I pinned up the back. This is right before I began my overnight Pre-Poo Treatment.

Side view, un-stretched old twist-n-curl

Nape of neck view, un-stretched old twist-n-curl

Full back view, un-stretched old twist-n-curl

Products

Amla Rosemary Olive Oil Pre-Poo Treatment •Divide hair in to 4 twisted sections and secure sections with bobby pins or clips.•Oil scalp and strand from root to tip, finger detangling as you go. Cover with a plastic cap and let sit overnight.

Wash and Condition•Hello hydration Moisturizing Shampoo: I usually only use some type of diluted shampoo my hair every 2 months or so. •None Of your Frizzness ConditionerI mix the shampoo and conditioner so it became a moisturizing conditioning shampoo. I then washed my hair, one section at a time…rinsing and re-clipping each section as I went along.

Products

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Scalp Cleanser

I was unhappy with the product build up I saw on my scalp, despite using shampoo, so I mixed up a batch of diluted ACV (1/4 ACV, ¾ Water) and used a spray bottle to spray and massage my scalp. This took about 15 minutes to massage throughout my hair. I then did a rinse. This resulted in a super clean scalp! Definitely a shampoo replacement!

Deep ConditioningI deep condition my hair weekly using my own special mix! I use the Organic Oil Replenishing Conditioner as a base. To that, I add:•1 tbsp of amla, coconut, and castor oils•Orange Essential Oil (for scent)•1 tsp honey (I usually sit the honey jar in a container of warm water to warm up and make it more pliable)I add this mixture to each section, and re-clip them. Finally, I put on a plastic cap, wrap my hair in a cotton tee and allow the conditioner to sit for at least an hour.

Because I finger detangle during my pre-poo, my hair is essentially detangled. As I wash out my deep conditioner, I use my seamless comb to comb through my hair.Here with the hair still in sections, I take down one section, hold the hair where the relaxed and natural hair meet (line of demarcation) and begin combing from the bottom of the strand upward. Then, on to the next section. This takes roughly 20 minutes or so. After detangling, I wrap my hair in a cotton tee for about an hour or so to absorb some of the moisture.

Detangling

Wet Texture Shots & Hair Loss

Here, is my unstretched hair after it has washed, deep conditioned and

detangled.

Here, is my stretched hair after it has washed, deep

conditioned and detangled.

Here, is the ball of hair I shed after it was

detangled.

Styling: Braid-N-CurlTo style my hair, I needed:

•Liquid Leave-In Conditioner (I re-used a spray bottle to hold the liquid): ¼ Infusium 23, ¼ Aloe Vera Juice, tsp Olive Oil, Orange Essential Oil

(I also use this mix if I want to touch up my style and need to add a bit of moisture

•Creamy Leave-In Conditioner: Though not pictured, I use Giovanni Direct leave-in

•Shea Moisture Moisture Mask: I use this as a sealant

•Clips: To secure unused hair out of the way

•Rollers: I am using perm rods, but you can also use flexirods. Size depends on the person. I prefer the midsized perm rod, as the smaller ones (to the left) yield knotty ends after a while

**For those wondering why I use both a liquid and creamy leave-in, it’s because I find that it makes my hair stay moisturized for a longer time.

Styling: Braid-N-Curl

With the hair still in separated, I take down one section. I then spray it with my liquid leave-in, followed by rubbing in a little bit more than a quarter sized amount of my creamy leave-in. I then use my butter to seal. Finally, I separate the section and braid it just past the line of demarcation. I then spray the ends of my hair with my leave-in to re-wet, then roll it on the perm rod.

Here is my final result. I end up with about 3-4 braids per section. I cover at night with a bonnet. To take them down in the morning, I lightly coat my fingers with coconut oil and carefully take them down.