Relaxer Touch Up

To me, tex-laxing isn't a product; It's a technique. Some ladies cover their hair in oils, others use milder strength relaxers, while a few, mix conditioners to intentionally under-process their relaxers. I simply don't soothe the relaxing cream to achieve my tex-laxed results.

I relax in two sections, which usually requires to kits and double jumping in and out of the shower. I first discovered this process from fellow blogger Ms. Kibbi of www.kibibihair.com.

It's tedious, but totally worth it. Now I have no fear of some over-processed and then some severally under-processed roots. Uniform tex-laxed results every time! So here's how my touch up today went:

1. Prepare- The wash day before my relaxer, I prep my strands with a protein treatment and extreme deep condition. Last wash day, I used Nexxus Emergencee. 
2. Protect- The day of my relax, I first section my hair into four quads. Then I take each quad and split into 1" sections. Next, I base my scalp with JBCO then lightly cover my previously relaxed ends with Roux Porosity Control, Chi Silk Infusion, and Joico Moisture Recovery. Lastly, I double strand twist each section, starting the twist at the line of demarcation, so that I know where to apply the relaxer. I cover the front two quads with shower caps to keep it from getting relaxer or water on it while I work on my back half.
3. Apply- I start my application process at the crown of the two back sections. This is where my curls are the tightest. I use a sprush to make the process go back super fast. Because I know exactly where to apply the relaxer and I only apply the relaxer to my unprocessed roots, the fear of overlapping the relaxer is minimal. Once I apply the relaxer, I smooth with my fingers. This takes about 9 minutes. (I use a timer every time to keep myself honest!) Lastly, I unravel the twists and prepare to wash the relaxer out. 
4. Fortify- In the shower, I rinse out the relaxer then applied a mixture of One n Only Argan Oil and Nexxus Emergencee. (I usually use Nexxus Keraphix as my mid-relaxer strengthener, but I didn't even notice that I was out! I nearly had a serious meltdown and considered postponing my relaxer. That's how serious this is! However, I figured that these two would do a decent job and luckily it did! But next time---I'm back to Keraphix!)
5. Neutralize- After rinsing the protein conditioner, I neutralize 3 lathers with the neutralizing shampoo that is contained in the kit plus a 5 minute ACV rinse just to be ensure that the relaxer has been rinsed away and the chemical process has been stopped. 
6. Remove- Have you ever felt like you loose a little shine and luster after a relaxer? This might be because of the dulling mineral deposits in most no-lye relaxer kits. To prevent this, I shampoo with a chelating poo. Today I used Kenra Chelating. Then I did my usual green tea rinse and Paul Mitchell Smoothing treatment. (Like I said--I'm quite habitual)
7. Restore- Every relaxer touch up ends with an extreme deep condition. I applied vitamin e oil to my scalp, just in case the relaxer caused irritation (which hasn't happened to me in years but its a hard habit to break), then Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm to the length of my hair and grapeseed oil, cover with a plastic cap then emptied a few shows in my DVR for about 2 hours. 

I rinsed, air dried, detangled, and applied It's a 10! and Chi Silk Infusion as my leave ins then flat ironed. 
Results: Awesomely wavy tex-laxed hair! I had a lot less shed hair than I was expecting and aside from not having my trust Keraphix for my mid-relaxer protein treatment, all went well in the land of relaxer touch ups today! Even though I don't use the sprush for smoothing, I did notice that my roots were a little straighter than I prefer---Something to contemplate for my next touch up. 

I snipped about an inch. Now looking at the pictures---I probably didn't have to...but no cutter's remorse. Yet. What do you think? Could I have gotten away with not trimming this go around?

Before Cut

After Cut

Un mil besitos
KLP
 

Sassy Style Wanted

Ayudame! I have my families spring photos scheduled for this weekend and I need some style inspiration. Luckily (Not luck at all actually. I pushed my relaxer day back two weeks just for this), I'll be freshly texlaxed and flat ironed for the event. The photo shot is outside, near our lake and the high temp will be about 55°F. In the past, I usually go for the sleek and straight look, but I think that I might want to switch it up a bit this time. Should I add volume? Maybe an updo? Ay dios!  I really don't know what to do.

Any suggestions?

Besitos
KLP

Wash Day

Notes: This is my last wash day of this stretch! *Throws confetti* I plan to relax on Wednesday night when I'll be exactly 15 weeks post. This has been a great stretch for me but lord knows that I'm excited to be done with it; I can't wait to welcome my straight tresses back (if only for a week). To prep for my relaxer, I treated my tresses to a hard protein treatment and deep condition. 

Pre-Wash Detangle Shed Hair

(0) Detangled with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections. 
(1) Shampooed first with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to clarify and then with Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo
(2) Protein Treatment- I saturated my hair in Nexxus Emergencee then did some chores. It air dried for about 3 hours.

Freshly Shampooed Hair (Texture Shot)

(3) Extreme Deep Condition: Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the Emergencee completely. Deep conditioning with heat after a protein treatment isn't suggested---it's mandatory! That is if you want to keep the hair on your head. I deep conditioned for 2 hours under my heating cap with Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm and then coated my strands in extra virgin coconut oil. 

(4) Green Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags and 2 cups of water.  Then applied the green tea rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
(5) Smoothing Treatment- Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment to the rescue. The protein treatment and tea rinse combo left my hair feeling very brittle and the smoothing treatment completely reversed that. After massaging it into my strands for 5 minutes (and doing a little detangling in the process) I rinsed to find my hair soft and very strong again! It wasn't nearly as soft or fluffy as when I do my mini washes but I'm still calling this a win. I felt 5-6 knots in my hair as I was rinsing. I didn't have the time or patience to deal with them in the shower, so I just let them be. I realized that I do far more harm than good if I'm rushing with my hair and it's knotty. (Get it! naughty! Ha-ha. C'mon y'all--need I remind you? #judgementfreezone)
(6) Air dry- I let my hair air dry 100% then applied my leave ins.

Shed hair from the shower trips

(7) Leave-ins- Detangled with the aid of my Hercules Sagemann Contour Comb courtesy of  the"Loving My Hair" Giveaway giveaway. Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector and argan oil. I only found 5-6 SSKs but it detangling them was a breeze once I had the time. I'm not going to lie---I'm not in love with this comb. Its tiny teeth scare the mess out of me. However, I didn't notice an increase in breakage with it and I plan on noting if my hair stays smoother or less tangled through out the week. Needless to say--a through review is in the works. Thanks again Age!

Post wash air dry fluffy bun

Results: I've been spoiling myself with mini washes. I was totally over this wash after the second time that I jumped into the shower! I had a little more shedding this wash day when compared to my last 4 mini wash days. I'm more than sure that it has something to do with me adding shampoo back in the mix and changing up my usual order of operations. Next time that I do a protein treatment (and thus use shampoo) I'm going to do my green tea rinse and smoothing treatment before my deep condition in hopes of keeping the soft fluffy hair that I'm madly in love with. 

One of the best things about keeping a hair journal (online and offline) is that it's excellent for documenting what works for you and what doesn't; Especially if you are like me and you can't remember what you had for breakfast! Looking back at my wash day here made me realize that maybe my hair either A. doesn't need two lathers or B. I'm shampooing all wrong! I think that the next time that I need to shampoo, I'm going to dilute and apply it to my scalp with an applicator bottle, just like I apply tea rinses, to prevent tangles.  

How was your wash day? Anyone else ending a stretch?
 
Un mil besitos!

KLP

SOS Protective Styling: Only Minutes to Win It

Last Week, I had my hair in two french braids for first half, before rocking the braid-out for remainder of the week! I do not have a picture of how it looked after but it was cute! I will definitely do something similar this week! :) Everyone can do this style (Nothing special!.. I just really liked how my hair accessories made it something more!!)

Hair Style : Two French Braids

A. Simply part hair down middle (Or wherever you like)

B. Braid both sides till they ends meet and place your fave accessory!

Back

Right Side

Left Side 

How do you accessorize your french braids!?

Muahz

Keyda! 



Wash Day -- 6 weeks post

Hola Chicas!

Some tidbits: This was a very relaxing wash day! I tried the Chi Brillance Moisture again, so I can really be sure if I like it or not. I plan on doing another mini-wash this week and to clarify next weekend. I try my best to get rid of the build up in my hair monthly. I have learned that my hair builds up product so that can hurt my chances of getting optimal moisture! Also, I have been NO HEAT!!! :D WOOOhoooooo! lol I am really not sure how KLP did it sooo far along... Im dredding the thought of no heat at 9 or more weeks post...ekkkk lol

(1) Detangle with my magic comb (5600 Hercules Sagemann!) KLP has reviewed this (check it out), I must admit that I really do like this comb..the price was a hard pill to swallow, but I rarely get any single knots anymore since using this comb! :D winner..

(2) Prepoo with JBCO (This stuff is pretty thick...)/My Essential Oil Mixture on my scalp and Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Conditioner on length of my hair! I gotta admit, this product maybe a rotating staple..review coming!

Lovely Tea!

(3) Shampoo with my FAVE Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo (Check My Review!)...Sometimes, I just want to stop here and call it a day!

(4) Tea Rinse with CC's Naturals Lavender & Chamomile Hair Tea (Learned of this..as I searched every Tea store in my radius lol for teas like rosemary, etc...from Jen @ www.justgrowalready.com blog post) ... I steepened my tea for about 4 hours today..I may try overnight eventually... I actually wanted to stop after this..for once, my hair felt SOFT after a tea rinse and the smell was sooo yummy!

(5) Ahhhh but ..Deep Conditioned with CHI Deep Brilliance Moisture and sealed with Chi Silk Infusion (KLP/Me luvss this stuff! BEST EVER) ... I actually sat under my hooded dryer for 30 minutes before cleaning up for about an hour...I am thinking about purchasing a steamer...thoughts?

(6) After drying excess water from hair with a 100% Cotton T-shirt, I air dried and my Leave-ins were Nexxus Hydra-light Weightless Moisture Root Lift Mist (Primarirly at my roots) and Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Reconstructor on length of hair. I sealed with my Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum!

My Hair Reality : My scalp feels soooo wonderful, this is honestly the BEST my scalp has ever felt after a wash. My roots seem to have extra moisture and my whole head is sooo soft. I did have a normal amount of shedding during my detangle phase and little shedding after my wash/throughout the wash. I realize that during season change, my shedding happens more frequently so I am happy that it was a decent amount this wash! There is a possibility I may micro-trim my hair next weekend wash but I am still debating. I can not wait to share my Only Minutes to Style...once I figure it out lol after this wash...

How was your wash day??

Muahz
Keyda

SOS: Protective Styling- Only Minutes to Win it

M2WI: Deep Side Part Twisted Bun

I love the "Minute to Win it" protective styling series because all of the styles have "legs"; Meaning that once you've mastered it, you can change up small pieces of the puzzle and create a completely different style! That's exactly what I've been doing for the last two weeks: taking my staple styles then switching it up with different types of braids and twists. A perfect example is the Deep Side Part Twisted Bun that debuted on SOS Hair a few weeks ago.  



To breathe new life into this style. I made the side part deeper, double strand twisted the front, then pinned the twist back into a side bun. Tada! New style! Sometimes its easier to go to a style that you "know" works for your hair and then spice it up a bit.

 
I. Heart. Simple. Sophisticated. Spicy. Protective. Styles. 

Un mil besitos
KLP 

Staying Motivated, Work Out Goals

Was a 2013 goal... TO STAY IN SHAPE/GET IN SHAPE!? lol Well one of my goals was to work out more, however as we end March soon (CRAZYY!)..I realize I have not been doing as spectacular with this goal.

My goal was to work out more consistently and to stay healthy..I started off STRONG but after long hours at work and stressful situations, I have not been working out really at all!  The only good things is I have been dancing weekly, but with our company on hiatus this season....I need more hours of workout..This will all change this week, I will be getting back in the game and staying consistent!

Here's How:

(1) I bought a calendar so I can keep track of my classes and schedule, so things do not conflict.

(2) Continue Dancing weekly, possibly add more classes. Dance has been the best thing ever for my body..even if you are not a "dancer", I would recommend classes like beginner modern/ballet because they focus on your cord strength more-so than any other type of dance...basically..killer legs! :)

(3) Start my Jiu-Jitsu Classes... YESS! I will be taking two classes a week to get in tip-notch shape and learn how to kick butt! lol

(4) Consistently do my ABSSTACTIC workout everyother day hehe.. There is a rotation of crunches I do..back-to-back..that keep my stomach in hardcore shape for swim suit season! I will definitely share a video soon!

These are just a few things I have set in stone to make sure I stick with my goal! I will also stay accountable...best thing about a blog is you have to be honest! :D I do not need cardio much (aside from for my heart lol) but my focus is on keeping a tone/fit body.

Have you kept up with your workout goals!? How are you working out!?

Muahz

Keyda

First Mini-Wash

So, KLP has been RAVING about mini-washes and even has speculated to do away with poos althogether! GASP! lol And I have noticed some other Divas giving it a try and loving it...I figured..why not!?

Here are the details to my First Mini Wash:

(1) Detangled with my magic comb!

New Products!

(2) Extreme Deep Conditioned with JBCO/Essential Oil Mix on my scalp, Emergencia Intensive Moisture Split Ends Conditioner and a little Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Moisturizing Treatment to length of my hair. Then I coated my hair with grapeseed oil....then I watched my wednesday night shows...yess I have a line up lol Criminal Minds/SVU..and lastly...Chicago Fire! Luvss
(3) Again, I am waiting on my new tea to be delivered :D Can not wait to share with you divas! So, no tea rinse....which my hair is dreddding...
(4) Just Cuz...I Co-washed with Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Conditioner focusing mainly on my scalp/new growth.
(5) Leave-ins were Nexxus Hydra-light Weightless Moisture Root Lift Mist sealed with Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum!

#NOHEAT4SIXWEEKS!

Healthy Scalp and a little New growth

My Hair Reality: Woooow.. I must say.. It was less shower time (i.e. no hopping in and out lol) and my hair was just as soft. I will be doing just two french braids and letting it flow till my wash day this weekend. But I do not see why I can not add a mini-wash into my regimen...honestly, I kinda fell off washing twice a week due to the time..soo now I think I can add it back :D Thanksss KLP!! My SOS DIVA!


Have you gave mini-wash a try!?

Muahz
Keyda

Reader Q&A

October 2010

Q: I noticed in your "Imperfect Progress" section that your hair grew a ton from 2010-2011. What was your regimen then?
A: I started my healthy hair journey in late 2010 with shoulder length (SL) hair. Unhappy with my ridiculously thins ends, I started tex-laxing in the beginning of 2011 then spent the rest of the year snipping away at my over-processed length. My regimen then is much the same as today; focusing on keeping my moisture levels up, shedding down, and styling with care. (You can check out my regimen here).

Q: Have you ever been natural or have any desire to grow out your hair without chemical relaxers?
A: Si, claro---(Even excluding childhood) I've had "natural" hair as an adult. When I was in college, I discovered the flat iron and forgot allllll about needing to relax my hair to get it straight. Without even realizing it--I went for 2 years without a relaxer. So, I guess that you could say that I was heat-addicted naturalista. As you probably guessed, I had some seriously heat damaged hair. I didn't even know what "heat protectant" was, I cranked my flat iron as high as it would go 400degrees+, and I would flat iron multiple times a day. I got a neck length cut then I went back to the relaxer and decreased my flat ironing to una vez per day. *hangs head* 
Would I ever kick tex-laxing to the curb? Hey, anything is possible. I do love my super curly roots and I've been told that "natural hair" looks "good on me"---whatever that mess means. However, for the time being? The answer is no. Tex-laxing gives me the thickness, strength, and overall health that bone straight relaxed hair lacked with a greater ease of straightening which "natural" hair lacked. Best of both worlds! Now that I'm truly detoxing from the flat iron, lots of folks have asked if I've hopped on the "natural" band wagon. The answer is: "No!! Let me live!"

We love your questions! Keep 'em coming!

Un mil besitos!
KLP

Spring is here! Spring is here!

Today is officially the first day of Spring. While most folks are shedding their Winter hats, gloves and scarves, I'm sitting here wondering if my shower drain will be clogged with tons of shed hair. Since, it's unlikely that I'll be able to prevent myself from shedding this Spring, just like most furry animals can't prevent themselves from growing a winter protective coat, here's how I've been proactive:

• Tea rinsing- Who knew that my favorite morning drink could save my hair too? Teas have astringent and antioxidant properties that can clear up scalp issues and heal irritation. The caffeine in stimulates the scalp, increases blood flow, and thus allows strands to be properly fed by the body. (You can read more benefits of tea rinsing here)
• Philip Kingsley's Scalp Toner- I first discovered this leave-in treatment in Glamour last year. This toner boosts that it is anti-microbial and anti-flaking which provides immediate and long lasting relief from irritation. Although I don't feel that my scalp is irritated,  I believe that a healthy scalp produces healthier strands. I've been using this product at least once a week for 2 months now. (You can read my {pre}product review here)
• Mindful Meditation- Chronic stress has been linked to depression, weight gain, high blood pressure and even hair loss! I'm pretty much always spread thin. Who isn't? In February, I started taking a few minutes out of each day to just breathe and think about nothing. My hope is that over time this brain exercise will retrain my brain so that its less reactive to tension, will decrease stress and hopefully decrease my chances of a massive shed. (Here's more information on mindful breathing)

Will any of these techniques or products help? So far so good. I suppose that I won't have a verdict until summer hits, however I rest assured that I've truly done my due diligence.  

Have you noticed an increase in shedding with the seasons changing? 

Un mil besitos!
KLP

Your Hair On: Tea Rinses

Your Hair On: Tea Rinses

We have realized that we both have tea rinses as a STAPLE in our hair regimen but without much explanation. Here are our stories with our not quite what we'd call scientific reasons why we think that tea rinses are AWESOME!

Keyda's Path to Tea Rinses:

I first got wind of tea rinses from Jen's Hair Blog, Just Grow Already! (I luvss). However, I was very hestitant to put TEA (an actual drink lol) in my hair. I was all for natural remedies but I just could not picture it working for ME! My hair SHEDS alot! As KLP explains with her own shed story, mine is quite similar. Ever since I could remember, I have been a "SHEDDER" as my mom puts it. I finish my hair in the bathroom with a HOT MESS left over to clean. So, I said what could go wrong!? Still hesitant, only tried 1 cup of black tea in my hair lol just to see how my hair reacted to it. Naturally, your hair feels hardened when doing a tea rinse. However, I noticed instantly stronger hair right away...could it be!? (I thought..) Next wash, I used 2 cups of black tea and vaaalaaa...less shedding and strong hair right away! I told KLP... :D because my next few washes, I saw no shedding while in shower washing out DC. Woot Woot! And I know it is the tea because when I stopped for about a month....intense shedding ensued...sooo STAPLE! It curbs my shedding significantly... winning! I am learning that different "flavors" produce different benefits for your hair, so I am currently waiting on an order of a delightful mixture of tea (I shall post!). **Sidenote: Your hair darkens with black tea as you use it consistently**

How Keyda Tea Rinses:
1. I steep two black tea bags in two cups of hot water, early morning of wash day.
2. I pour tea mixture in a bottle with nozzle to squeeze easily to my hair. (Sometimes, I'll place in fridge to cool.) 
3. I squeeze tea onto my scalp and length of hair. I try to make sure it goes from root to ends.
4. After rinsing, I continue with my normal routine of DC. (I plan on trying out smoothing treatment since KLP/others rave about it!)

KLP's Path to Tea Rinses:
I talk about shedding. A Lot. A Whole Lot. I suffered a huge setback last spring (you can read about it here) and although it was a year ago, the balls of hair that used to clog my shower drain still linger on fresh in my memory. This winter, I made it my business to find products and implement techniques that could at least minimize my shedding and *fingers-crossed* prevent it. While researching seasonal hair loss, I came across tea rinsing. At first, it really seemed too good to be true. I know how awesome tea is for your body when ingested, but to think that it would have any effect as a topical application just seemed odd. Then I remembered that Keyda had tried it and was in love. Her exact words: "IT WORKS." She said that she noticed a decrease in shedding straight away and recommended that I tea rinse after shampooing but before deep conditioning because the teas can make your hair a bit hard--the same way that a hard protein treatment would. I'm an avid tea drinker, so it wasn't like I had to go out and spurge on anything new. I seemed to have nothing to loose. I took the plunge and tried for the first time last November. I used 3 black tea bags steeped in about 500mL of water. It. Was. Horrible. I sent Keyda an email titled: Wash Day GONE WRONG. Ha-ha! Let me tell you, my hair was a mess after that first try. Full of tangles and knots. I had more shedding than the wash before and my hair felt so hard. It took a few months before I tried again---this time with 2 bags of green tea, I used a smoothing conditioner after the rinse to help with detangling, and then I deep conditioned with heat using one of my favorite moisturizing conditioners Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm. Success! I saw an immediate decrease in my usual shedding. 

How KLP Tea Rinses: 

KLP's Tea Rinse Winners

1. I steep 2 green tea bags in 2 cups of hot water over night. 
2. I pour the tea mixture into a narrow tip applicator bottle
3. At the end of my time in the shower, I apply the tea directly to my scalp. The narrow tip applicator prevents me from having to disturb my hair in the process. 
4. I let it sit for a few minutes, then top with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment or Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution and massage for 5 minutes or so. 
5. Rinse with cool water.

So here are semi-scientific reasons why we think that tea rinses curb shedding: 

• Tannins- is an astringent compound that binds to and precipitates proteins in plants. The tannins in tea can attached to the hair shaft making the hair appear fuller. Tannins have antibacterial properties that can help soothe itchy/flaky scalp issues that would increase shedding. The tannins also tighten pores, which better protects your scalp from excessive oil and dirt while strengthening your strands to prevent damage. 
• Caffeine- Black tea has about 55 mg of caffeine per serving versus green tea's 35mg of caffeine. Traditional drip coffee has 100 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is known in the hair world for stimulating the scalp, increasing blood flow, and thus allowing your scalp to get more oxygen and more "food."
• Pantheol, Vitamin C and Vitamin E- Pantheol, which is found in tons of hair products, acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the hair and helps prevent split ends while conditioning. Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant thought to help heal the scalp. Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant that aids effective circulation in the scalp due to increased oxygen uptake in blood.

Since we've been consistent with tea rinses, the amount of shedding that we've had has dramatically decreased. Tea rinses are here to stay!

How do you tea rinse? What works and what doesn't for your hair?

Un mil besitos
Keyda & KLP

[Review] Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment

Price: 24.99 for 33.8oz
Purchased at: Amazon (also available in smaller sizes)
Promises: Smooths and softens. Time is precious; make the most out of it. Our exclusive Super Skinny Complex helps reduce dry time so you get smooth style faster. Helps repair and protect hair against damage.
Ingredients: Water, quaternium-91, cetrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol amodimethicone, C11-15 pareth-7, C12-16 pareth-9, glycerin, polyquaternium-37, propylene glycol decaprylate/decaprate, PPG-1 trideceth-6, ceteareth-20, cetyl esters, hydrolyzed wheat protein PG-propyl selanetriol, triethyl cietrate, bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 aminoethyl PG propyl demethocine/algae extreact/ aloe barbadensis leaf extract/anthemis nobilis extract/simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) extract/rosmarinus ...

Directions: Apply a small amount. Massage. Rinse.
How I use it: Smoothing treatment after tea rinses.
My Thoughts: This smoothing conditioner is the perfect example of why I wait a while to test a product before I give it a thumbs down. My mother in law actually gave me this liter bottle about a year ago. After the first use, I was not impressed. At. All. In fact, I told her that I was going to give it back to her because it was awful. After deep conditioning with it, my hair felt like it was coated---as if my hair was repelling instead of absorbing the product. My hair felt tacky and not moisturized at all. But thank goodness that I didn't toss it out the door. One night while cleaning out my product stash, I actually took time to read the instructions on the bottle. This isn't a deep conditioner at all! It's a smoothing treatment! The timing was perfect because I had just incorporated tea rinses into my regimen and although I love that teas curb shedding---they make my hair feel hard and extremely coarse. I give PM SSDT another go, but this time after a tea rinse. Boom! Back in business. Perfectly fluffy strong smooth hair plus my drying time was cut in half. No coated feeling at all. I think that aside from relaxers---this is the only product that I use specifically according to it's directions. Ha-ha! A little goes a long way and I will absolutely purchase again once this bottle runs out. (Unless my suegra has another bottle flowing around her bathroom *fingers crossed*) So if you are into tea rinses or need a quickie conditioner to smooth your hair (especially if you are air drying) with---PM SSDT is worth a try.  

Have you ever tried PM SSDT? 
Un mil besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

Notes: 6 weeks no heat? Yep! >>This chica<<. I've had so much success with mini washes that it's official: they are here to stay. I'm thinking that aside from wash days that I use hard protein treatments, I'm ditching the poo. The picture below shows all the products that I used in the order that they were used.

Wash Day Products

(0) Detangled with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections. My roots felt really dry and coarse. It took me about 20 minutes longer to detangle today.
(1) Extreme Deep Condition: Applied Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner and my essential oil blend to my scalp, JBCO, and Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm  to the length of my hair. Then I coated my strands in extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap  and then watched a couple of episodes of RHOA under my heating cap for a couple of hours. Don't judge me.

(2) Tea Rinse with 1 green tea bag and 1 black tea bag and 2 cups of water in a narrow tip applicator bottle. I let the rinse sit on my hair for about 5 minutes.

(3) Smoothing Treatment- Then I massaged Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment into my hair (without rinsing the tea first) and let sit for about 7 minutes. I rinsed with cool water.
(4) Air dry- I let my hair dry 85% in a cotton t-shirt. Next, I detangled and add my leave-ins.
(5) Leave-ins- Bee Mine Bee Lovely Moisturizing Daily Conditioner and extra virgin coconut oil. I found no knots but after applying the leave ins, my hair felt a little oily. I suspect that I probably was heavy handled with the coconut oil. 


Results: Beautifully moisturized and soft, big fluffy hair and very little shed hair. AGAIN! I know that I say this every time that I deep condition with Matrix, but this stuff is really awesome. Afterwards my roots felt extremely moist and manageable. I wondered if my scalp would be revolting from the lack of shampoo. Nope. Not at all. My first impressions of the Bee Lovely: Meh--I wasn't instantly in love but I didn't not love it either. It absorbed well and the scent isn't wonderful nor is it mala. (It smells a bit like play-doh to me) I'll definitely use the bottle and then post a complete review. This wash day was fairly un-eventful, which at 13 weeks post relaxer is a good thing! Next wash day I'll be relaxer prepping with clarifying and a hard protein treatment.

How was your wash day? What do you do to prep for your relaxer?

Un mil besitos!
KLP