Quick and Easy Bentonite Clay Hair Rinse For Natural Hair

I won't lie, bentonite clay mask treatments are a labor of love. All that pouring and mixing plus the time it takes to apply and dry can be just too much work to do every wash day. So I started "clay rinsing." It's basically the same exact recipe as my Bentonite Clay Mask Treatment---but its consistency is thinner and can be done in one step in the shower. Which is perfect when you're pressed for time but still want your curls to pop! Here's what I used:

Related: DIY Bentonite Clay Mask Treatment

Ingredients:

2 oz Bentonite Clay (I use Aztec Healing Clay)
4 oz Aloe Vera Juice (I like this one)
1 oz Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg is the best!)
2 tbsp Glycerin (These are good choices)
Plastic bottle with a lid (Applicator bottles like this one are awesome)

 
And here's how I mix it:

1. I add the clay to my applicator bottle using a funnel. I like to use an applicator bottle with a cap so that it's easier to mix.
2. Next add the apple cider vinegar. It will bubble and foam up---Don't be alarmed!
3. Add your aloe vera juice and glycerin. Secure the lid of your applicator bottle and shake it gently! Your mix should be thin, but not runny. If it's too thick, add more liquid and shake. If it's too thin, add more clay and shake again

I like to clay rinse after a pre-shampoo treatment but before I deep condition (or co-wash if I'm being really lazy pressed for time) because while the clay will cleanse your scalp and give you AHA-mazing curl definition, but it can also make your curls feel a little stiff. Running a little conditioner through your hair after the clay rinse handles that situation! I did a clay rinse this week and I'll share all the dets in tomorrow's #washdayexperience.

Are you clay/mud rinsing? What's your favorite recipe?

Besitos!
KLP

Green Tea Infused Oil Rinse for Natural Hair

My love affair with green tea rinses began when my hair was relaxed, I was suffering with  postpartum shedding, and I just wanted a way to slow down the shedding. You can read about my many adventures with green tea rinses here, here, and here.

RELATED: Herbal Tea Rinses to Combat Shedding

I don't shed like crazy anymore, but in honor of tomorrow's #WashDayExperience themes, I decided to experiment with tea again. This time---for a Green Tea Infused Oil Rinse!

How I made it:

1. Place 3 green tea bags in a glass mason jar. (I used Celestial Seasonings Green Tea)
2. Cover with 1 cup of warmed extra virgin coconut oil (or other carrier oil of your choice).
3. Bring a pot with 2-3 inches of water to the brink of boiling. Turn off heat. Place the jar in the the water for 15-20 minutes. 
4. Carefully remove jar from hot water. Cover with lid and steep overnight. 

And here are semi-scientific reasons green tea oil rinses rock:

• 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- Green tea has 35mg 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.
• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil- Coconut oil has been shown in studies to be the only oil that prevents protein loss while helping hair retain moisture. It reduces hair porosity making it spectacular for chemically relaxed hair which is typically higher porosity. Washing your hair can cause hygral fatigue, which is a fancy way of saying damage caused by frequent swelling (absorbing moisture) and shrinking (losing moisture) of hair fiber.

RELATED: Why I'm in love with the Coco (Coconut Oil of course!) 

To apply the rinse to my scalp, I used a narrow tip applicator bottle (Like this one of these) in the shower after conditioning. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed. My hair felt crazy moisturized strong but soft. (Don't worry, I'll give you all the details in tomorrow's #WashDayExperience!}

Have you ever tried a green tea rinse for you hair? What's your favorite recipe?

Besitos!
KLP

How To Flat Iron (Transitioning, Relaxed, or Natural Hair) | #WashDayExperience

I can't believe that it's been 6 months since the last time that I straightened my hair! I'm utterly flabbergasted. Once a upon a time, I used to flat iron daily---then I cut back to weekly---now I'm down to three times a year. I think that it's safe to say that my hair is benefiting from much less direct heat but I'm actually excited for the change!

Straightening my hair is a tedious process. So, I have a love/annoyed relationship with my straight hair. Detangling is most of the annoyance. I ditched my combs for finger detangling this year, so I find that when it's time to straighten, I have to combat tons of tiny single strand knots. I work slowly---probably toooooo slowly trying to be gentle and use a little less manipulation. It's definitely a 2-3 hour labor of love. Here's how I straighten my hair:

1. Pre-shampoo- I started by fully detangling using my fingers and slathering each section with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. Pre-shampooing with conditioner elongates my curly roots which makes everything else on wash day easier.
2. Shampoo- Next, I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes to rinse the conditioner completely. I clarified with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to remove build up and then once more shampoo with KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo to get my hair squeaky clean. Clean hair = light bouncy straightened hair.
3. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I deep conditioned with Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner then put my hair into 6 loose bantu knots, covered with a plastic cap and let it sit for a few hours. In hindsight, I should have sat under my hooded dryer or heat cap to help the conditioner penetrate more effectively.
4. Leave ins- After I fully rinsed each section, I wrapped my hair in a cotton t-shirt to remove some of the water. Then I applied a little It's 10 Miracle Leave In then Chi Silk Infusion. Then I finished by cool air tension drying with my Solia Blower.
5. Flat iron- I coupled my Ferrum Iron with a Sedu Carbon Flat Iron Comb to do the comb and chase method as I flat ironed my hair in 1/4' sections. Two passes were enough to get my hair smooth and super straight. But it still took forever to do.

You can get the full details on how I flat iron my hair here.

The Results:
My hair has body and is soooo soft. I've never been able to say either in the past when I was flat ironing weekly.It's actually voluminous. And I LOVE IT! My bangs are still thriving hoovering between BSL and MBL. By my ends definitely took a hit from my detangling debacle a few months ago. This straightening session was totally bitter sweet.

I gave myself about an inch trim as I flat ironed and slightly rolled the flat iron around the ends for my feathered wavy Christmas Eve look. I promise length check pictures are coming down the pipeline. But now---it's time for me to go sing happy birthday to Jesus, celebrate, and enjoy my minions/hubby!

Merry Christmas chicas!

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[Hairstyle] Steam Roller Curls | #WashDayExperience

I haven't had a chance to respond to each one of your kind words of encouragement and intercessory prayers for my family yet---but I will. I'm so grateful for you guys! Just a quick update--my grandfather's open heart surgery last week was successful. He's recovering well and his spirit is brighter than a star. I can't tell you how much it humbles me to see your out pour of positivity. I've said it hundred times---but I'll say it again. Y'ALL ROCK!

Ugh...I wish that I would have gotten more pics of these curls!

With all that said---I'm combining two weeks of #washdayexperience into one post. Because---well---I ended up styling my hair the same exact way. The first week, I did a protein treatment with Nexxus Emergencee then rocked bouncy curls for a night out on the town with my hubby. The next week, because I loved the curls so much...I did it again using the products found here!

I haven't done a hard protein treatment on my hair since *insert gasp* September. <hangs head> In my defense, I've been protein layering using Joico K-Pak at least twice a month. Protein layering is amazing, I definitely think that it's why I still have relaxed ends on my head, but I really needed a full protein treatment to whip my hair back in shape. Here's how I did it:

1. Pre-shampoo- I fully detangled and slathered my hair in Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. I let it sit for about an hour. I need to do this more often--because omgosh my hair was so soft!
2. Shampoo- Next, I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes to rinse the conditioner completely. I needed a good clarifying so I shampooed once with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo and then once more with Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo.
3. Protein Treatment- with Nexxus Emergencee; the world's easiest to apply protein treatment. I let it air dry for an hour or so while I did chores.
4. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the Emergencee completely. I deep conditioned with Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and let sit for about 2 hours. 
5. Air Dried- I added a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize and a dab of hair butter  to seal, then I blew out my roots with cold air to stretch it and set on small Caruso Steam rollers for about 30 minutes.

The Results:
Why I Used A Clarifying Shampoo- 
My hair hates shampoo. I say it a lot. I mean every word. But it doesn't mean that there aren't times when product builds up on my strands. I shampoo once a month and I clarify with every hard protein treatment. 

Why I Used A Hard Protein Treatment- 
My hair loves protein. I use protein laced conditioners regularly during my entire hhj. My hair behaves better with a little extra protein in it's life. I also noticed a little more breakage, a little less moisture retention, and a lot more tangles in my hair over the last 2-3 weeks. That's my hair's way of telling me that it was time for a root to tip intervention. 

Why I Used Steam rollers-
My hubby and I had an event to attend. I knew that I wouldn't have enough time for any of the usual suspects- bantu knots, a perm rod set, or straightening---so my steam rollers got another go. Can I just talk about how much I love these things again? One of the BEST investments that I made for my hair in 2014 for sure. 

Speaking of Best of 2014, can you believe that in 2 weeks 2015 will be in full swing?!? Where did the time go y'all! Before I devise my evil fleek master plan for total hair domination---or something like that---I'll be sharing my Best of 2014: Hits & Misses.  I'd love to have you join me! You'll be able to add your links starting next week! (No clue what this is? Check out our 2013 collection of Hits & Misses here. Change the date and you got the same thing...lol

Oh yeah---and I think that I'm ready to straighten this mess next week for Christmas. Fingers crossed that my ends aren't as bad as I think they are!

How was your washdayexperience? Share the dets below. 

Besitos!
KLP 

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[Hairstyle] Bouncy Curls Using Steam Rollers | #WashDayExperience

Between Turkey Day, my half-marathon training, getting sick, and trying to be fabulous for my 10 year high school reunion (OMG...I can't believe it's been TEN years since I graduated high school!), then doing it all over again, I've washed/co-washed my hair 3 times​ in 7 days!

I wanted big bouncy curls for my reunion but I knew that I wouldn't have time for either perm rods or my signature bantu knot curls. So I whipped out my steam rollers. I think that it's safe to say that I love these things---and Jessicurl!

1. Deep Condition- My hair was well detangled from my previous 2 co-washes, so I jumped right into deep conditioning. I applied Jessicurl Deep Treatment from root to tip then massaged in a little extra virgin coconut oil to seal the conditioner in. I left it in for about 5 hours. 
2. Detangling treatment- Then I rinsed each section. applied a dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution, worked it through my roots and rinsed.
3. Air Dried- I added a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
4. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize and a dab of hair butter  to seal, then I blew out my roots with cold air to stretch it and set on Caruso Steam rollers for about 30 minutes.

Don't judge my bathroom selfe

The Results

Bantu knot-like curls! My hair felt super soft and well conditioned. I love the curl pattern and half way through taking down the rollers, I totally wished that I had more smaller rollers than the larger ones. Hmm...looks like I have something else to ask Santa for this year!

My besties

Every wash day, I'm reminded of how much my ends need a trim. I mean, when the heck was my last real trim? July? That's kinda sad. I totally know better than that. 

But trimming requires straightening and straightening requires 3 hours of devoted time with a flat iron. Ain't no body got time for that!

Oh and these are my day after bed-head waves. I didn't wrap, set, moisturize, anything. I am not a good role model. Do not try this at home. LOL. 

How was your #washdayexperience? Share the dets below!

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[Review] Joico K-PAK RevitaLuxe

It seems like every single week I chat about protein. How much my hair loves it. How well protein layering works on my relaxed ends. How I really wouldn't have made it 73 weeks post relaxer without all of my relaxed ends breaking off it. Well---I guess that it was time that I share my {current} favorite protein conditioner: Joico K-Pak RevitaLuxe! 
 
Price: $5.99-$33.99 USD
Buy It At: Amazon.com
Promises: A luxurious restorative treatment that corrects years of damage while protecting against future damage. Keratin Peptide Complex delivers over 2X more resistance to breakage while protecting against color fade by 94%. Your hair will become dramatically stronger, softer, shinier and more moisturized with each application.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-8 Distearate, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Stearate, Ceteth-2, Pentapeptide-29 Cysteinamide, Pentapeptide-30 Cysteinamide, Tetrapeptide-28 Argininamide, Tetrapeptide-29 Argininamide, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-20/35/Amodimethicone Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Sorbic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Thioctic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Allantoin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance/Parfum, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).

My Thoughts: This conditioner is simply amazing. It's moisturizing and strengthening with a great scent and super thick rich consistency. My hair easily absorbs it and just a little goes a long way. This isn't a conditioner that you want to use when you have tangles and need slip. But this is the conditioner that you want to use to help fortify your strands with a boost of strengthening keratin and amino acids.

I'd label Jocio K-Pak as a medium protein conditioner on my strands. It doesn't harden as it dries like you'd get from a hard protein treatment. But there is a noticeable difference in your hair's texture. Expect your strands to feel "plumper" almost thicker after a few uses. I've also noticed that my hair retains moisture better and longer when I use this conditioner on a regular basis. In fact, I got away with only moisturizing and sealing only on wash day for several weeks when I protein layered with this conditioner without crazy breakage.

The huge pink elephant in the room? OMGosh---did you see that price? Ladies---that price tag is no joke. So here's my suggestion. Grab the $6 sample (1.7oz) travel sized bottle if you want to test it out. #ballinonabudget

Have you ever used Joico K-PAK? Would you buy it again?

Besitos!
KLP

[Hairstyle] Messy High Bun + Oil Rinsing | WashDayExperience

Love simply does not express how much I enjoyed my hair last week. Steam Rollers are the bomb.com and my hair felt super strong yet still very moisturized. I wore my hair down for 2 days then in a low bun with a few curls to frame my face. For the first time in weeeekkksss I actually had fun with my hair! Even though I kinda suck at cold air tension drying my hair, I will admit that it was MUCH much easier to manage throughout the week and tossing in a few steam rollers took no time at all! #score! Here are a few ways that I styled my hair afterwards:

With my DIY Jeweled Headwarmer. Omg---My ears were sooo toasty! Plus it was super humid and my head warmer covered up all of the frizz. I love this thing! Want to know how I made it? Pep the tutorial here!

Yes---that is the same headband from my tutorial. Shh...Don't tell nobody! I love a good multifunctional hair accessory. I have A LOT of hair accessories. Probably too many for my own good. But I always end up wearing the same ones! #hairbloggerfail

Because my hair still felt amazing by the time that wash day, instead of the usual deep conditioning etc etc, I decided to just oil rinse. Okay---let me back track. This is what really happened: I'd planned on doing a real wash day, started applying coconut oil to my hair yada yada, then I realized that I had somewhere to be in 30 minutes. Yep. Hair slicked down with oil and somewhere to go. Total fail. So I jumped in the shower, rinsed thoroughly, then jumped out. To my surprise, my hair loved it! Here are the details:

1. Oil rinse- As I detangled my hair, I applied extra virgin coconut oil from root to tip in 6 sections. I let sit for about 5 minutes then rinsed with warm water.
2. Leave ins- I t-shirt dried my hair for 5 minutes, blotting each section, then applied Jessicurl Too Shea! Conditioner and just a dab more coconut oil. I quickly cool air tensioned dried the sections and pulled my hair into a high bun to dry completely.

The Results:
Oil Rinsing is pure genius! No doubt that I'll probably do it again for sure. The slickness of the extra virgin coconut oil provided slip to detangle and helped me remove all of the shed hair that I had. I love how my hair felt refreshed without my scalp or my hair feeling dry.



I'll probably wash my hair for real in a day or two. I don't really think that oil rinsing is a substitute for washing, but that it allows you to extend the days between washing. Because I gave the oil a good rinsing with water, my hair didn't feel crazy oily after drying. It actually felt even more moisturized and fluffy.




Now take a look at this cute-who knew that I could make something so easy look so intricate-bun! Once I figure out how exactly I did this---I'll totally do a tutorial. This #washdayexperience was filled with lots of firsts, oops, and accidents but no tears. woot!

Did you have any happy surprises during your #washdayexperience? We'd love it if you shared!

Besitos!
KLP

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[Hairstyle] Caruso Steam Rollers | WashDayExperience

I'm so bored with my hair I could just scream. Usually, I have a plan of attack and style in mind before I start my #washdayexperience but this week---nothing. Nada. Zip. I love me some perm rods but I'm not that quick on the installation tip (it takes me roughly 1 1/2 hours), my bantu knot curls have been hit or miss (with mostly misses and updos), I've been really itching to give myself a good flat iron + trim (especially since my terrible detangling mishap caused me to snip several knots out of my hair). As I sat looking stupid at my freshly deep conditioned hair, opted for the down and dirty quick route: a tension blow dry and caruso steam rollers. Plus---I've gotta hot date with the hubby tonight. #woot Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Pre-Poo-  I detangled my hair in about 8 sections then applied Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from root to tip. I covered with a plastic cap and let it sit for a few hours.
2. Shampoo- Working in with each section, I massaged a little diluted Matrix Hydrasource Shampoo, lightly detangled and rinsed. 
3. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I applied Matrix Hydrasource Conditioner to my roots and Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe from the line of demarcation to my ends. Afterwards, I applied a little extra virgin coconut oil from root to tip to seal in the conditioner. I covered with a plastic cap and let marinate overnight.
4. Tea Rinse- I hopped in the shower to rinse the conditioner section by section. Then I applied my tea rinse of 2 green tea bags + 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of glycerin. I let the mixture sit on my hair for about 5 minutes.
5. Detangling Treatment- I rinsed the tea then applied a Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
6. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
7. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize and extra virgin coconut oil to seal, then tension blow dried my hair.

The results:
Towards the end of last week, my hair started to feel awkward. A little coated and a lot dirty.  My moisturizer wasn't absorbing like it usually does. I knew that for this wash day, I'd need to shampoo. Shampooing once a month typically does the trick for me. In between, I'll use my shampoo bar or cleansing conditioner if necessary. 

I don't tension blow dry my hair often because I well---I'm not just not that great at handling my blower. I kinda fumble with the controls and always find a way to spray air into my face. I have no clue how Jeni (the bestest co-host in the world, btw) does it so flawlessly!



I let the steam rollers cool for about 30 minutes before unraveling and apply a little Chi Silk Infusion. If you guys haven't realized by now...I love that stuff! I apply it to my freshly rinsed deep conditioned hair to aid in detangling and for a light shot of protein. I also love the way that it gives my hair super shine. 

How was your #washdayexperience? Share the details below!

Besitos!
KLP

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[Hairstyle] Perm Rods + Tangles | WashDayExperience

 
I learned a lot about my beautiful multi-textured hair this week. 1. It's defiantly stubborn. 2. It's a bit bi-polar and 3. Without a good stretch on wash day---the rest of the week is miserable. I refused to repeat my mistakes from last week, so I broke out some old faithfuls from Jessicurl and dusted off my perm rods. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Pre-Shampoo- I slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil whilst I detangled. I put my hair in about 6 bantu knots to keep my hair sectioned.
2. Shampoo- with Jessicurl Cleansing Cream applied to each section.
3. Extreme deep condition- I deep conditioned with Jessicurl Deep Treatment on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and left it for a few hours.
4. Tea Rinse- using 1 black tea bag and 1 green tea bag steeped in 2 cups of water + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
5. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
6. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
7. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize and the teensiest amount of Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter to seal then set my hair on about 35 orange perm rods and left in overnight

It wasn't pretty for a while y'all. I had to cut out 3-4 knots. My nape was a tangled nightmare and suffered the worse of it all. Pre-wash detangling took about an hour vs my usual 15-20 minutes. I'm nervous that whenever I get around to straightening, I'm gonna have a janky hemline. *shudders* I'm still kicking myself in the butt.

There were a few tears shed and there might have been a few fudge bombs dropped. But, it all changed once I slathered my hair in Jessicurl Deep Treatment. Omgosh, this stuff is amazing. My hair simply soaked it up. I didn't use heat---I just let it sit for a few hours. And when I went to rinse---Ladies----we were back in business!

I still suck at installing my perm rods. Maybe I'm too meticulous---or maybe my fingers are still getting the hang of it all, but I feel like 1.5 hr installation time is ridiculous! I'm off to YouTube to find a quicker way! In the meantime---LOOK AT ALL THIS STUPID SHRINKAGE! Yes---I'm still amazed at how I go from MBL to barely even chin length overnight. Shrinkage is the devil!

It's pouring rain in my part of the world, so in a high bun all those curls went and I was on my way! Take a look at my roots---no gel, jam, or edge control. Glory be to perm rods for what they do to smooth my roots! And check out that silly straight end that never wants to act right! There's always one right?

I hope you had an amazing #washdayexperience chica!

Besitos!
KLP

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[Hairstyle] Criss-Crossed High Bun + Tangles | #WashDayExperience

The last 67 weeks of this stretch has been fairly simple and straight forward. Stretch hair with curls. Wear hair down for a few hours. Bun it up or twist it back. Well, I kinda didn't follow my own plan of attack and now I'm really asking myself if it's time to throw in the towel. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Extreme deep condition- I fully detangled my hair then applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner to my roots and Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe to my ends. Then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and let sit for a few hours.
2. Tea Rinse- using 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
3. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
4. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
5. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize, extra virgin coconut oil to seal and stretched my hair using banding. 

The Results: 
Without my signature curls, I really had NO CLUE how to style my hair. I looked into my Bun Effect (my favorite protective styles) backlog for answers. I tried a low bun; But I couldn't smooth my edges back. I tried my 30 second old faithful updo; Trust me---you don't want to see pictures of that catastrophe. So I went straight into a high bun. 

I know exactly where I went wrong today---my hair wasn't properly stretched. SHOCKER right? I used all of my favorite products. I even deep conditioned overnight. But without a proper stretch to blend my super curly roots. It's. All. In. Vain.

BUT...there's an upside. I usually shed like a cat when the seasons change. Not this Fall! (Yet) My lost hair was sincerely a joke this week. I pray that the trend continues!

How was your #washdayexperience?

Besitos!
KLP

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[Hairstyle] Perm Rods | #WashDayExperience

I was simply obsessed with my perm rod curls last week. #1 My roots were smooth. Chile, like I just got a relaxer smooth. I was actually able to see my scalp through my roots! I know that this might not be a big deal to you, but when you haven't seen your scalp in months because it's hidden under several ends of curly roots---you get pumped. #2 My hair was uber moisturized. I only moisturized and sealed twice in 7 days. Now before you call the hhj-police on me, I want you to know that I didn't moisturize because my hair didn't feel dry at all. #3 Old perm rod curls make THE BEST curly #iwokeuplikethis buns ever! Nonetheless, I went for the three-peat this week. Same style, Pretty much the same products. But lots o pictures. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Pre-Shampoo- I slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil whilst I detangled. I put my hair in about 6 bantu knots to keep my hair sectioned.
2. Cleanse- I haven't shampooed in a few weeks, so I diluted a little Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo with water and applied to my roots only using a narrow tip applicator bottle on each section.
3. Protein Treatment- Next, I applied Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe from root to tip. 
4. Deep condition- After I rinsed the protein treatment, I applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner from root to tip, then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and let sit for a few hours.
5. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize, extra virgin coconut oil to seal and Good Hair Is Resilient Styling foam for a soft hold, then set my hair on about 35 orange perm rods and left in overnight

The results:

Whilst, I used the same products this week, my technique was a little different. It's been a million years since my last shampoo (okay---I'm just kidding it's been like 4-5 weeks) and I knew that it was time to give my scalp and hair a fresh start. Matrix Hydrasource has got to be the gentlest shampoo that I've ever used. Even diluted, it has a good lather and definitely doesn't strip my hair. I was also overdue for a hard protein treatment. And of course, I'm all out of Nexxus Emergencee. So I settled for Joico K-Pak and followed it all up with a deep conditioning with Matrix Hydrasource conditioner. K-Pak left my hair feeling strong and Hydrasource gave me the softness.

  
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this in the past but, on wash day, I do everything in sections. EVERYTHING. From the beginning, as I detangle, I pull my hair into large bantu knots and work section by section applying product, rinsing, and even styling. 

L: Before with conditioner R: After rinsing

I actually took some shots of my disgusting wet dog looking hair. Nothing about my wet mop appeals to me. I mean, look at the shrinkage! (I had to stretch it a bit so that you could see the texture) Look at how crummy my ends look when wet! *hangs head* I feel totally vulnerable and naked now that I've shown you. I guess that I'm a big girl now. The only good news is that once I stretch my hair---It all looks decent again.

Back to the results...It's official. I'm in love with perm rods. The orange rods give me the perfect sized curl, the tension smooths my roots (I mean, can you even tell that I'm 66 weeks post relaxer?), and the way that my hair holds on to moisture after the fact is extraordinary. I still suck at installing them. It still takes me well over an hour. But to only have to fiddle with my hair once a week? Meh...I think that I'm #winning. 

Are you participating in 30 days without heat? 





I am! Shoutie to Jeni, Jay, and Tiki for this amazeball challenge!
 
Besitos!
KLP

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