How I Maintained My Wash and Go for 5 Days

I never thought that I could actually get any style to last. Especially not for 5 days. Especially not a wash and go. And especially when I've never even had a presentable wash and go to begin with. But my wash and go from last week was pure magical. Not only was it beautiful on day 1---it was still gorgeous on day 5!

And I practially did NOTHING to maintain it. Legit y'all. No moisturizing or sealing. No reapplication of gel. No nada. Here's what I did:

BANDING

Every night, I banded my hair. Banding is a super simple concept and even easier to do. First, divided my hair into about 5-9 sections (the more sections you have the more stretch you'll be able to achieve), then used an extra wide hair tie to secure the section at the base. Next, I wrapped the the rest of the pony along the length my hair. I don't band the very ends of my hair to keep the curls in tact.

Banding elongates my curls without destroying the curl pattern. It also counteracts the ridiculous amount of shrinkage that I have. The best part about banding is that it's heat free, doesn't cause breakage, and it's incredibly gentle on my strands.

Related: How To Band Natural Hair 

Day 1

 

EXERCISING

I workout every morning---and night. During my morning workouts, I keep my hair banded and covered with a satin scarf. At night, I throw my hair up into a high puff.

Related: What I used for this wash and go!

Day 2 Wash and go

MORNING ROUTINE

On the mornings when I started the day with cardio---I noticed that my roots were a little damp. So I sat under my hooded dryer---on cool---for about 10 minutes until my roots were dry. Then I removed the bands, shook my hair, fluffed it a little with my fingers for some volume, then went about my business.

Day 3 Wash and go

NIGHTLY ROUTINE

After my night workout, I banded my hair into those same 5 sections. I didn't moisturize. I didn't seal. I didn't really do much of anything besides band my hair and cover with a scarf.

Day 4 Wash and Go

I'm not really used to one wash day a week anymore. I was afraid that my hair was going to be a dry frizz ball. But believe it or not, my hair felt amazing. I had a little frizz in the front---most likely from my time on the treadmill with covering my hair. *hangs head* So on day 5, I pulled it up into a high puff. I washed my hair the next day but I feel like I could have pushed it one more day in another high puff if I needed to.

Day 5 Wash and go

I'm feeling really optimistic about the future of my wash and gos!

Are you a wash and go girl? How do you maintain your curls?

Besitos!
KLP

Wash and Go Magic! | The #WashDayExperience

Every time that I wash my hair---I fall in love with my curl pattern a little more. Aren't my curls just the tiniest coiliest kinkiest curls that you ever did see? Okay, maybe I'm bias. But for as much as I love a good stretched curl former set, high puff, or updo---I love my curls 3 million times more. Which is why I'm more determined than ever to get this wash and go thing right.

Plus in honor of this week's #washdayexperience: "Next Day Hair." I used an old technique in a new way to give my wash and go a little stretch without heat.

Here's what I used:

Pre-shampoo/Strengthening Treatment- DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here) + Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner (review here)
Deep Condition- Jessicurl Deep Treatment Conditioner (review here)
Clay Rinse- Here's the dets on my recipe
Leave-Ins- Castor Oil + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) + EccoStyler Krystal Klear Gel (shop it!)


RELATED: My Minimalist Natural Hair Regimen

First, I spritzed the ends of my hair with my DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here). Then I slathered my hair in warmed Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner (review here) as I detangled. I love this conditioner because it helps makes breakage disappear, defines my curls and it has a TON of slip. I covered with a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for about 20 minutes.

RELATED: Tips for making your deep conditioner more effective 

Day 1 hair

After rinsing the conditioner in the shower, my hair felt amazing. Soft but strong and the curl definition/elongation was on point. Yay for protein treatments! I t-shirt dried for a few minutes then applied my FAVEEEE deep conditioner Jessicurl Deep Treatment (review here). Next, I layered on a little Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to seal in the conditioner. I covered with a plastic cap and left it in overnight.

RELATED: Why I Deep Condition Overnight

The next morning, I rinsed the conditioner, t-shirt dried for a couple of minutes then applied Jamaican Black Castor oil (shop it)+ Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) as my leave ins.

Day 1 hair

My Wash and Go Technique #2

I put my hair into 5 sections then secured each with a hair clip. Starting with the back, I spritzed it with water until it was soaking wet then finger detangled until my hair clumped into curls. Then I smoothed a little gel on the roots. Next, I raked a little more gel through all the way until the ends and gently shook out the curls. (aka the rake and shake technique)

The application process took me about 35-40 minutes to do. Then I let my hair air dry for the rest of the day (approx 5 hours)

My hair was a bit damp at the roots, but I didn't want to use heat and potentially disturb my curl pattern. So I banded my hair using some extra wide hair ties. Then let my hair dry overnight.

Banding to stretch my curls

The banding actually helped break the gel cast and stretched my curls without destroying them (like I did the first time...smh) I noticed that the front of my hair is where I have the worse gel cast. Does this happen to anyone else?

So far this is the best wash and go that I've been able to produce! Here's an outline of what I did differently: Clay rinse after deep conditioning, applied castor oil instead of coconut oil to my freshly  washed hair, changed from EccoStyler EVOO to EccoStyler Krystal Klear, and I let my hair air dry then banded to elongate the curls. The next day---I banded again and got even BETTER results!

I finally got my curls to look the same when they are wet---as when they are dry! WASH AND GO MAGIC!!!! For my next wash and go, I plan to use regular ol castor oil instead of JBCO. I love the way that the JBCO kept my hair moisturized and really defined my curls, but the scent is just too woodsy for me. Plus, regular old castor oil is definitely more economical. I feel like I'm getting closer and closer to perfecting this wash and go thing!

How was your #washdayexperience? Feel free to share the details with the rest of our healthy hair tribe!

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

3 Awful Ways To Trim Natural Hair

I can't even count the times that my hair was butchered at a salon. You go in asking for a trim and come out with INCHES missing or you ask for a blunt cut and come out with layers. I've made so many mistakes when it comes to trusting that a stylist knows what I want, which is why I researched DIY techniques to trim my hair. But I was searching, I stumbled upon 3 of the most AWFUL terrible I-can't-believe-they-are-serious ways to trim/cut curly hair.

The Tunnel Cut

The premise of this cutting technique is to reduce the bulk your curls without affecting curl formation no matter the curl type. The stylist cuts diagonal "tunnels" into the sides of the hair at the root.

An actual, supposedly trained stylist did this. *hangs head* This atrocity is the absolute worse natural hair trimming technique that I've ever seen. I actually wanted to cry for her. I understand that BIG hair ain't for everyone but this cut CANNOT be the solution. I mean, can you even imagine what her hair will look like as it grows out?

The Razor Cut

Razor cuts thin out your ends and supposedly prevent that heave mushroom shape as your hair grows out.

If you're a curly girl that only wears straight hair, then the razor cut pixie look can be a totally chic look. However, when you wear your hair curly, don't be surprised if your ends look thin and limp or if your curls are frizz and piece-y. When you add the fact that most curlies have more than one curl pattern, razor cuts lack styling versatility.

The Straighten First Insist

In this method, a stylist insists on straightening your hair before cutting or trimming in order to "more accurately cut.

I've debated this technique so many times that it makes my head hurt. The truth of the matter is that you don't need to straighten your hair just to trim it. In fact, you can do your hair more harm than good when excessive heat and high manipulation are involved. Because I'm still learning my curl pattern, I want to learn ways to work with my curl instead of against it---and that includes how I trim it. Here are 5 ways that you can trim your hair without using heat.

What's the worse method or technique that you've seen to trim your hair?

Besitos!
KLP

Caruso Steam Rollers on Natural Hair | The #WashDayExperience

In honor of today's #WashDayExprience theme, I took a break from attempting to perfect my wash and go technique so that I could throw my hair up in some big ol voluminous curls.

Here's what I used:

Deep Condition- DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here) + Jessicurl Deep Treatment Conditioner (review here) + Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Clay Rinse- How I get my curls to POP!
Leave-Ins- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Why EVCO is AMAZING here) + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) + DIY Hair Butter

And here's how I did it:

I started my spritzing the ends of my hair with my DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here). Then I slathered my hair in Jessicurl Deep Treatment (review here). My hair was super dry so I sealed in the conditioner with a little Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (here's the kind that I use $) then left it in overnight.

RELATED: Why I Deep Condition Overnight

The next morning, I hopped in the shower, rinsed the conditioner section by section then applied my Clay Rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle. I still adore how this treatment makes my curls perfectly springy, defined, and moisturized. Out of the shower, I t-shirt dried for a couple of minutes then applied little more Extra Virgin Coconut Oil + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) as my leave ins. Then I faux banded my hair to stretch it a little while it dried.

RELATED: How To Stretch Natural Hair Without Heat

I thought about doing bantu knots, but then decided to try an oldie but goodie: CARUSO STEAM ROLLERS!! It's been forever since I rocked a set of big fluffy steam curls so I wasn't sure what to expect.

RELATED: How To Use Caruso Steam Rollers on Natural Hair

I set my hair on the rollers using a little Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as my styler/holding product. I'm pretty shocked that in 3 years, I haven't done an official review on this stuff. Just know that it's amazing and EVER so perfect for setting perm rods, bantu knots, and twist outs. Plus the scent is to. die. for.

I let my rollers air dry for about 30 minutes then sat under the dryer for another 15 minutes just to make sure that they were dry. For my chicas with super thick hair---you know the struggle to get any kind of roller set dry in a decent amount of time.

I'd forgotten how much I love how steam roller curls look on me! My hair is uber moisturized and has tons of volume. The next day it rained so I wore it up in the high puff  + bangs situation.

How was your #washdayexperience? What's your favorite way to get big voluminous curls? Share all the dets below!

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

How To Use Lush Henna on Natural Hair

Henna has been on my must try list for years. No really. YEARS. Why? Because it looks messy, time consuming, and seems a little more complicated than this chemistry flunking chica can handle. Plus I was just plan scurred.

RELATED: Why I have henna on the brain


Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I'm in Lush and I see their Caca henna collection. They did all the hard work for you. Pick your color, chop up the amount of henna you need, add water and then apply. Like---have you ever seen a henna recipe that simple?

So I picked up a block of the Caca Rouge and did a happy dance. Here's how I got started, prepped the henna, and applied my henna.

START WITH A STRAND TEST

 

Have y'all seen this video by Chemese? She had a severe allergic reaction to what she thought was henna. Yeah---enough said. So the day before I decided to do a strand test. I started by chopping off a tiny bit of the henna block, adding a little warm water to it and applying it to a small section of my nape. I left it on for about 3 hours then rinsed. I also tested a patch on the inside of my arm just to make sure.

PREP YOUR HENNA BLOCK

 

The next day, I moved ahead with a full application. Here's how to prep the henna:

1. Break the henna into pieces. 
2. Put your pieces into a glass bowl
3. Add boiling water a few tablespoons at a time. 
4. Then mix and add water until you have a cake batter consistency.  Keep the henna mixture warm for easily application. (I just placed my bowl in a warm water bath to keep it warm)

APPLY YOUR HENNA

 

When I did the strand test, I noticed that it was really difficult to apply the henna to my hair dry. So I decided for the full application, to apply the henna to freshly co washed hair. (I also did this because my hair had a ton of product in it from my previous wash and go style. I didn't want the product buildup to prevent the henna from absorbing into my hair.) Starting with damp clean hair, I applied Lush's Ultrabalm to my hairline and ears to prevent staining. Then I:

5. Apply the warm henna in sections to your hair, cover hair with cling film and leave for 3 hours.
6. Wash the henna from your hair using warm water then deep condition. 

After application, I hopped under my hooded dryer for an hour then I let the henna sit on my hair for 3 more hours. The Lush salesgirl told me that heat would activate the henna even more and allow my hair to absorb more color.

I rinsed the henna for what felt like FOREVER until the water ran clean. Then I did my usual clay rinse.

RELATED: How to get your curls to POP!

I've done two henna treatments over the last month. Here are what my results look like so far:

HENNA RESULTS

The first time that I henna'd it was pretty much impossible to catch the subtle color on camera. But the second time, I really saw a difference, especially in sun. It actually reminds me of what my color looks like after a summer at the beach. The effect of henna on your hair color is cumulative--meaning that each time you do a treatment, your color will get deeper and richer. Which is exactly what I'm looking for! The process was actually easier than I thought it would be and my hair feels thicker and dare I say fuller (as if my hair wasn't already stupid full) than before.

How was your #washdayexperience? Would you ever consider using henna on your hair?

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Jessicurl Hairveda Eden Bodyworks Giveaway!

It's giveaway time!!! Here's your chance to win a set of my long time FAVORITE products from Jessicurl PLUS two of my bloggy-partner-in-crime Jen's faves from Hairveda and Eden Bodyworks.

You can check out our GLOWING reviews of all of the products here:

Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
Jessicurl Deep Treatment
Hairveda Deep Conditioning Masque
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Cowash

Pero, lo siento, this giveaway is only open to our continental US friends.

Enter daily!
Buena Suerte
KLP

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Wash and Go FAIL | The #WashDayExperience

Last spring, I attempted my first wash and go. It was pretty terrible. My hair took hours to dry, my curls were stupid frizzy, and by the time that it dried---my hair felt like straw. I tried a couple more times before I gave up and moved on to curlformers.

But the problem is---I LOVE my curl pattern. My curls are tiny and stupid coily and ever so kinky. And when moisturized my curls pop like crazy. Ugh...Do you guys understand how much I just wanna wake up like this? Perfectly moisturized, just the right amount of shrinkage, and curls for ddaaayyyssssss....

So I gotta find a technique + product that will help my curls hold this pattern instead of frizzing up completely. (No shade to frizz---I do love a good fuzzy frizzy high puff every now and again...lol)

So I'm determined to figure get this wash and go situation right for the summer. And how perfect is this week's #WashDayExperience theme: Summer Prep!?!

Here's what I used:

Deep Condition- DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here) + Jessicurl Deep Treatment Conditioner (review here)
Leave-Ins- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Why EVCO is AMAZING here) + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) + EccoStyler Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gel (buy it here)

And here's how I did it:

I started my spritzing the ends of my hair with my DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here). Then I slathered my hair in Jessicurl Deep Treatment (review here). My hair was super dry so I sealed in the conditioner with a little Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (here's the kind that I use $) then left it in overnight.

RELATED: Why I Deep Condition Overnight

The next morning, I rinsed the conditioner, t-shirt dried for a couple of minutes then applied little more Extra Virgin Coconut Oil + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) as my leave ins.

My Wash and Go Technique #1

I put my hair into 5 sections then secured each with a hair clip. Starting with the back, I spritzed it with water until it was soaking wet then finger detangled until my hair clumped into curls. Then I smoothed a little gel on the roots. Next, I raked a little more gel through all the way until the ends and gently shook out the curls. (aka the rake and shake technique)

The application process took me about 35-40 minutes to do. Then used a diffuser to dry the ends and the concentration nozzle to stretch the roots.

Everything seemed to be going well. Until I realized two things:

FLAKES and MORE FLAKES

That gel cast is NOT a joke.

I also noticed that I stretched my roots a bit too much which made the top of my hair really flat. It was impossible to get a presentable pic of how bad it really was.

So I pulled it up into a high puff and called it a day.

I'm thinking that I'll try a new gel next week, do a clay rinse (to get those curls re-hydrated), and try not to blow-fry my roots again. Do you have any tips on getting your wash and go just right? Dimelo!

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

May #WashDayExperience Themes

Your #WashDayExperience themes are back for May! I don't know about you but my wash days have been...

Boring

Monotonous

...and completely uninspiring lately.

Which is why I love #WashDayExperience themes! They actually give my wash days purpose and intention. For anyone new to the #WashDayExperience, you're probably totally confused! So let me back up for a second...

W H A T   I S   T H E   # W A S H D A Y E X P E R I E N C E?

The #washdayexperience is a place for ladies who are striving for healthier hair to share the hows, whats, whens, and whys of their weekly wash day ritual. It doesn't matter what state your hair is in: natural, colored, relaxed, texlaxed, curly, straight, or loc'd---ALL ARE WELCOME. You may share via blog/vlog, Insta, G+, Twitter, and Facebook.

# W A S H D A Y E X P E R I E N C E   T H E M E S

Wash day can be one part "omgosh I'm not here for this" and 4 parts "but I just don't wannnaaaaa". So Jen and I created a few themes to spice it up a bit. Here are your themes for May:

Week 1: Summer Hair Prep
Goodbye winter and hello summer! What are you doing to revive your hair for the summer? Which styles do you plan to try?

Week 2: Hair Color & Care
Are you thinking about coloring your hair (or have you already)? Henna? A Rinse? Permanent color? How are you caring for your color?

Week 3: Voluminous Curls
Big hair don't care! What is your favorite technique for big bad voluminous curls?

Week 4: Next Day Hair
Yes, your hair is perfect on wash day---but how do you style it the day after? What's your favorite next day hair style?

HOW TO JOIN THE # W A S H D A Y E X P E R I E N C E

Our look might have changed over the last year, but the rules for all this positivity are still the same:

1. Share the direct link to your #WashDayExperience linkup. We go live every Wednesday.
2. Add the #WashDayExperience badge to your post
3. Give the chica that linked up before you a little comment love. 

Stupid easy! Will you join the madness? Share a link to your blog below!

Besitos!
KLP

PS: The themes aren't mandatory---just a way to have a little more fun! Si que claro, you can join without adhering to the themes!