Mini Washing Secrets Exposed

Example Mini-wash product selection

You may notice that I frequently skip pre-pooing and shampooing. I'm not being (totally) vaga (lazy); I've just noticed that my hair seems to respond better to less shampooing and more extreme deep conditioning. It's so important to listen to what your hair likes and what it doesn't like regardless of how unconventional it may seem. A mini-washing is nothing but a glorified co-wash with heat. I only have to get into the shower once and it literally cuts my wash day time in half. I still clarify once a month and I'll whip out a hydrating shampoo like Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo when I feel like there is an icky build up on my strands. Here's how I cleanse and rehydrate my hair with a mini-wash session:

1. Detangle first with my fingers and then if necessary my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections.  
2. Extreme Deep Condition- layers an oil over a conditioner to steal in the moisture covered with a plastic cap and then under indirect heat for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. (My favorite deep conditioners are Halka Baba de Caracol and Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm)  
3. Green Tea Rinse with 2 tea bags and 2 cups of water (SOS: Shed Dread)  
4. Smoothing Treatment- Tea rinses make my hair feel hard so I massage Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment into my hair and let sit for about 5 minutes to soften my hair again 
5. Air dry- I let my hair air dry 80% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt then apply my leave ins. I just find it easier to detangle dry vs. dripping wet tex-laxed hair.   
6. Leave-ins/Serums- I finger detangle using Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and seal with an oil, my DIY hair butter, or Chi Silk Infusion.
7. Styling- I've been sporting either bantu knots or sassy protective styles. 

Does anyone else mini-wash?

Besitos!
KLP