Mini Wash Day

Mini washing is simply a glorified co-wash. I usually rinse my hair with oil or just water, skip the shampooing, and go straight into my deep conditioning routine. No jumping in and out of the shower 20 million times to get my hair adequately clean and re-hydrated. Here's what I used to wash my hair this week:

1. Detangled- with my fingers and a ton of extra virgin coconut oil and applied JBCO to my scalp. 
2. Extreme deep condition- Next, I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes to rinse the oil completely. Then I applied Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm to my roots and Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask the length of my hair. Next, I massaged extra virgin coconut oil throughout, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for 2 hours and left it in overnight.
3. Camomile Aloe Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 1 part steeped camomile tea and 1 part aloe vera gel, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands--focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- I rinsed the conditioner then let a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution marinate on my hair for about 5 minutes. 
5. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave ins- Applying the LOC(B) method, to seal in the moisture (L) into my strands, I used extra virgin coconut oil (O), then Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner (C), and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter (B)as my leave ins I "faux" banded my hair to stretch roots. 

The Results:
I used Aloe Vera Gel instead of Aloe Vera Juice this week in my tea rinse because...well...I was out. Ha-ha! You gotta make due with what you have. I really enjoyed this switch though. The hot steeped camomile tea "melted" the gel after I shook everything together, but as the mixture cooled, it created this really neat gel-like consistency that was super easy to apply to my roots. Plus instead of dripping all over the place, my tea rinse stayed put. 

For the first time in what seems like forever, I pulled my hair into a high bun thanks to a little Chi Twisted Fabric. I don't know how I feel about this product---I definitely think that it would be better suited for straightened hair, but it worked relatively well. 

How was your wash day? Using something new? Share with us below!

Besitos!

KLP

Mini Wash Day

I love mini washing because I don't have to jump in and out of the shower 100 times to get my hair adequately clean and re-hydrated. Whilst, I loved the scents of the Pura Natural's collection from my last wash day, my hair didn't respond well to it. Just hours after my wash, my hair had a rough, dry feel to it. Almost as if I hadn't done anything at all. I'm super disappointed however, I do plan on using the line again---perhaps in the warmer months when my hair isn't begging for as much moisture. I co-washed twice to get some kind of moisture into my hair during the week. No bueno.

1. Detangled- with my fingers and a ton of extra virgin coconut oil. 
2. Extreme deep condition- Next, I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes to rinse the oil completely. Then I applied  JBCO on my scalp and Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm on the length of my hair. Next, I massaged  extra virgin coconut oil into my ends, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for 2 hours and left it in overnight.
3. Smoothing Treatment- I rinsed the conditioner then let a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution marinate on my hair for about 5 minutes. 
4. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
5. Leave ins- Applying the LOC method, I used extra virgin coconut oil, then Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner, and  my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter as my leave ins I "faux" banded my hair to stretch roots. I had a few unruly tangles, so I coated that section in Chi Silk Infusion and picked apart the knots.

The Results- 
Matrix Biolage Ultra Hydrating Balm to the rescue! It makes my hair feel so soft and manageable. Aside from 4-5 knots, my hair was extremely easy to detangle and stretch my roots. Jessicurl Too Shea never ceases to amaze me. The slip is awesome, it absorbs easily into my strands and the moisture that I'm able to retain for days makes me pray that its never discontinued. My kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter never fails me. I really don't know how I survived without it all these years.

Y'all know that braid outs hate me, but I was kinda feeling my hair so I attempted another one. After faux banding, I double strand twisted each section and added a satin pillow roller to the ends. I let my hair set for a few hours and unraveled. I really liked the results, but they didn't last. One--I didn't use a holding product and two---I unraveled before all of the twists were dry. The two biggest #fails for braid outs. <shrugs> I guess that practice makes perfect.<shrugs>

How was your wash day? Anyone else over this winter's ridiculously cold temps?

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash Day

During mini washes, I skip shampoo to head straight into deep conditioning. I've had a few Pura Body Naturals products sitting in my stash since Christmas so I decided to give them a test drive this wash day. Every single product smells like heaven. Divine in every single way, which is a big deal to me because my nose is very particular. 

1. Detangled- with my fingers and extra virgin coconut oil. 
2. Pre-Poo- with JBCO on my scalp.
3. Extreme deep condition- Next, I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes to rinse the oils completely. Then I applied Pura Body Naturals Chocolate Hair Smoothie, massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for 2 hours and left it in overnight.
4. Rosemary Chamomile Aloe Hair Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 1 part steeped chamomile tea + 1 part aloe vera juice + 2 springs of rosemary, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands--focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
5. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
6. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
7. Leave ins- I used Pura Body Naturals MuruMuru Moisture Milk, Pura Body Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter and then "faux" banded my hair to stretch roots while it dried.

Results: 

Lost Hair- L:Shower|R: Detangling

The Good- 
I love love love love (did I say LOVE?) the Tahitian Vanilla scent! I could just sit and sniff this stuff alllllll day. Yes, I'm weird. But we in a #nojudgementzone right? Ha-ha! It's no secret that I think many natural products smell awful. My beloved Jessicurl Too Shea was no different. Pura Naturals on the other hand---I'm totally a fan of the scent! I had very little lost hair during this wash day, and very minimal breakage. Detangling was a little more challenging, but I didn't mind it.

The Indifferent- 
MuruMuru Moisture is light and creamy; It reminds me of marshmallow fluff. I really enjoy the way that it sinks into my hair, but this feeling doesn't very long. Used it as my nightly moisturizer for a week prior to this wash day and every night, my hair felt dry; as if I hadn't moisturized at all the day before. I'm not impressed but it's not awful either. For now, I'll blame it's none wow factor on the miserably cold weather that my part of the world can't seem to shake.

Texture Shot

The Bad-

Chocolate for your hair? Meh---whilst it smells divine; this conditioner just sat on top of my hair. I expected it to be completely absorbed after deep conditioning and it wasn't. I was pretty disappointed but I think that I'll give it another try or two before forming an opinion. 

Have you tried Pura Body Naturals? What do you think?

Besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

I was so spoiled by deep conditioning over night two weeks ago, that I tried it again with today's wash. Winter is a harsh mistress and my hair just hasn't been its moisturized self. I'm considering adding weekly overnight deep conditions to my regimen to combat the dryness that's been plaguing my hair, skin, and nails:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangle- with my fingers.
2. Pre-poo- with extra virgin coconut oil.
3. Shampoo- one lather with Macadamia Natural Oil Rejuvenating Shampoo.
4. Protein Treatment- I applied Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque to only my texlaxed ends then covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for 15 minutes.
5. Extreme Deep Condition- I applied Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm to my strands (root to tip), then massaged my strands in extra virgin coconut oil. I covered with a plastic cap, relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours, then left it in overnight.
6. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
7. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results: 

Bantu Knots

The Rookies: This was my first time using Macadamia shampoo and conditioner together. My hair still hates shampoo. After rinsing my pre-poo, my hair felt really good. My strands weren't tangled and or clumped. After rinsing the shampoo, my hair felt stripped, matted, and just a hot mess. I don't see myself using shampoo more than once a month. After all, if it ain't broke then don't fix it right? Adding the protein treatment on top of that tangled mess wasn't the best idea that I've had in a while, but I'm committed to fighting breakage and strengthening my ends (to increase my length retention) so it was a necessary evil. I don't have much to say about the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque except that it claims to strenghten hair---and that claim is definitely true. My hair definitely felt stronger, but I'd never not follow this protein packed conditioner with an ultra-moisturizing treatment. 

The Sophomores- I introduced Tea Rinsing and a smoothing treatment into my regimen earlier this year. With this wash, I skipped Tea Rinsing; not so bad. I also skipped my Smoothing/Detangling treatment using Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution. *Le sigh* I've been on the fence for months now about this detangler but now that I've experienced a wash day without it---I will never go back! The slip and detangling abilities that this product has on my 21 week post hair is ridiculous! Now I see why I've been able to manage my roots so well with it. 

The Seniors- Extreme deep conditioning has been a must for me for a long time. But Overnight deep conditioning kicks things up a notch and it's exactly what my hair needs this winter. Moist soft but strong ends+ elastic springy roots= a happy me! Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm always does my hair good. Detangling was tedious and my lost hair was a bit more than I'm used to, but it wasn't extreme. I've made a mental note not to skip tea rinsing or smoothing treatments any more! 

After I air dried, I bantu knotted my hair (without holding product) for about 2 hours, unravelled and went with the hubby to see The Best Man Holiday. If you haven't seen it. Go! 

How was your latest wash day? 

Besitos!
KLP

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[Hairstyle] Messy Side French Roll | Mini Wash

How I wore my hair last week

Deep conditioning overnight might not be an every wash day event, but let me tell you this chicas, it's my new must do after a protein treatment now. My hair felt so amazing after my wash last week. Think soft, cottony, and springy. My roots were happy. The texlaxed length was happy. KLP was happy! I skipped my mid-week co-washing session and even thought for a second to delay my wash day because my hair felt so good. But, I figured that I wasn't so smart and went with a light protein conditioner to keep my tresses balanced.

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO on my scalp, a mix of Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor and Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Instant Recovery Mask on the length of my hair and sealed the conditioner with coconut oil. I covered with a plastic cap, relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours.
3. Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied steeped green tea, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands--focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

   

   Wash Day Products

Results:

30 Second Ol' Faithful Style

After applying my leave-ins, I wanted to do something different with my hair and decided to attempt a braid out. Bad. Idea. Very. Bad. Idea. I double strand twisted my hair into 8 sections and secured the ends with a satin roller. In the morning, I unraveled to a bloody mess. Oh gosh, It was a fail on sooo many levels. The bird's nest in my front yard looks better.The definition was wonky, I had neck length shrinkage, and my ends looked ever so pitiful. Never have I been more thankful for the Bun Effect. I pulled my hair into my all time favorite 30 second updo (here's a how to tutorial) and went to church. The good news was that my hair still felt soft with a renewed strength and my shedding/breakage was low. Woot for happy endings. 

What styles do you use to save failed twists outs, bantu knots, or curls? 

Besitos!
KLP

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Mini Wash Day - 4 weeks post

Pin Curls

Hola Chicas!

I already have at least half inch/possibly one inch of new growth!! WTH!! I am like geessshhh! I will be heading to Hawaii mid-December *WOOT* and the way my new growth is going, I may need/want to touch-up early December which was not planned until Jan!! Soooo it's up in the air. I am also testing out a new product from Danielle at OddStrandOut. She calls it "Coffee Oil." I'm thinking that it would be great as an oil treatment on my scalp the night before wash day. Here's how my wash day went:

1. Detangled with my Magic Rake comb.
2. Prepoo with Coffee Oil Mix/EVCO on my scalp and On dry hair, As I Am: Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner on length of my hair, making sure I paid special attention to my ends and roots. Then I sealed it all in with grapeseed oil. I sat under the hooded dryer for about 30 minutes and sat around for about an hour! I am terrible with heat...
3. Tea Rinse with CC's Naturals Happy Hair Tea. and I love it! I think I am about ready to write a full review and share! :) 
4. Smoothing Treatment with Roux Moisture Recovery conditioner over the tea in my hair and a cap. I then faux steamed my hair for about 10 minute in shower.
5. Leave-ins: After my hair was about 85% air dry I applied  Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer and Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum. 
6. Low Blow Dry & Flat Iron: I lightly blow dried my hair to fully straighten...then on low heat, I flat ironed my hair and pinned curled it for the night! 

Pin Curls

 

Results:

I love the results....and although, I was not on #teamnoheat wagon this week, I feel that I did my hair justice by air drying majority and using low/medium heat for everything!! :) That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Lol. My hair was felt super strong but soft. It felt so different compared to my other deep conditioners. I definitely would want to try more of this particular DC in the future. I bought it primarirly because of the smell (haha!) but I must say I like it so far. I also noticed my scalp looked so healthy compared to other times that I've used it. I am not sure if it is the Coffee Oil Mix but I did notice a difference. 

Results

Fingers crossed that I can get the pictures of this wash day posted. My computer is being wack and not allowing me to upload but I did tweet them! So follow SavingOurStrands on Twitter!

Luvs!
Keyda

Mini Wash Day

Last week, I began a post titled "Dear hair---you suck." Ugh, my hair just was so disrespectful that I had to co-wash every other day--both after working out---just to coax it into a bun. Luckily, It all worked out because I had travel plans for the weekend. I wanted to rock my curls and bantu knots always their best on recently washed air dried hair. I wore my curls down for two days then in a faux bob and lastly in a big side bun. I'm sure that my protein powered wash and abbreviated deep conditioning session from last week was the culprit for my uncooperative hair---luckily I've got a solution for that: an overnight deep condition. Yes--I know that many discourage it---but when you hair is dry, disrespectful, and dehydrated---it works like wonders: 

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- with my fingers and Mizani D'Tangle Leave-In Milk.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO on my scalp, Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm, and massaged my strands in extra virgin coconut oil. I covered with a plastic cap, relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours, then left it in overnight. 
3. Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied steeped green tea, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands--focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter

Results-

Shed Hair: Prewash | Shower | Postwash

Hello big fluffy, soft, and smooth hair! Oh how I missed thee! Overnight deep conditioning #ftw! I whipped out an old favorite: Mizani D'Tangle this wash to give myself a thorough detangle. I've never cared for this product as a leave in, it gives my hair this icky coated feeling but it's awesome as a pre-wash detangler. 

Air Drying Fluffy Banana Clip Bun

Thanks to that protein powered wash day last week---I had very very little shed hair and breakage. You might have noticed that my beloved Magic Rake comb has been MIA for a few months. I've realized that finger detangling is and will always be far gentler than any other tool that you can buy. I still adore my Magic Rake---I just see tragedy in my minds eye if I used it on these 19 weeks post roots. Finger detangling forces me to work patiently in smaller sections---which is what my hair needs. Because the back half of my hair was much more unprocessed (unintentionally) from my last relaxer--sometimes it feels like at least 1/3 of my length hasn't been relaxed. Fingers crossed that my new protein rich regimen keeps that line of demarcation in tact and breakage at bay. Look ma! No mesh donut! Just in case you were wondering---here's the secret to my big fluffy buns: More Bang for Your Banana Clip.

What technique do you use when your hair is unruly?

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

One of my goals for 2013 was not to stretch beyond 12-16 weeks. Yet, here I am, 16 weeks post with no time, energy or desire to relax. (Does anyone else get tired just thinking about what a chore relaxer day or is it just me?) My hair has been ridiculously manageable, my shedding has decreased, and I feel like I'm keeping breakage at bay. My hair loved Jessicurl Deep Treatment so much last week, that I felt a protein wash was in order this week to keep my line of demarcation/ends resilient and strong.

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO and Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner on my scalp, Jessicurl Deep Treatment on my unprocessed hair and then a 3-1 ratio of Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner: Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
3. (Aloe) Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 4oz of steeped green tea + 4oz of Aloe Vera Juice, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed. 
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- 90% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results:

What a giant fluffy bun like this? Air dry!

I lost about 5 strands pre-wash, none during the wash, and a pea sized amount during post-wash detangling. Who's a happy chica?!? >>>This chica!<<< I only used the Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner mix on the processed section of my hair because it's the most susceptible to breakage and the more porous. The bottle is finally finished, so I guess that I owe you guys a review. I'm really digging this idea of layering the strength of your protein conditioner as a way to reinforce weak ends. I probably won't know if it's helping until I straighten again. But what I do know is that so far, it's not hurting. 

I have a 5k on Saturday, so my hair has another simple but sassy week ahead. A parade of fluffy buns are in order. Starting with this giant doughy air drying one. Look Ma! No mesh donut for me! 

Mil Besitos!
KLP

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Wash Day

Now that I've got my vacay hair style mastered---I'm so totally ready to be in the Florida sun! I've been working on the perfect Bantu knot cocktail for my hair. So far, the winner is Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner, a dab of grapeseed oil, plus a smidgen of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Precise amounts right? Ha-ha. The best part is that my hair stays moisturized and detangling was actually a breeze this wash day. Here are the dets:

Wash Day Products

(0) Detangled with my magic rake in the same sections that my hair was knotted. I applied a little of my essential oil blend to my roots to aid in detangling.
(1) Shampooed with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to clarify first and then Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo to give my back some moisture. I do declare that I love this shampoo! May it never be discontinued! Don't forget to enter the Matrix Giveaway so that you can win your very own bottle!
(2) Protein Treatment: I saturated my hair in Nexxus Emergencee then did some chores. It air dried for a few hours. Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the treatment completely.
(3) Extreme deep condition with  a 3-1 ratio of Joico Moisture Recovery and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. I massaged a little grapeseed oil through my strands, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for an hour. (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 with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment. I rinsed the tea and massage a dollop of conditioner to my strands.
(6) Air dried with a cotton t-shirt until my hair was about 80% dry.   
(7) Leave Ins- Never underestimate the power of a great pre-wash detangle. I didn't even need both combs for the 2 comb method today to detangle. I added a little Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner and Grapeseed oil to each section. Then I pulled my hair into a loose bun and tied it up with a satin scarf to get my roots to lay down. 
Results: 

Wash Day Shed Hair

Smooth? Check. Detangled? Check. A girl could really get used to worry free wash days. I've even considered extending this stretch a few more weeks beyond my vacay if I can fend off long strand breakage. I'm reserving full wash days for the weeks when I need a protein treatment. Why? Because I'm spoiled. Only having to get into the shower once is too awesome to pass up! Of course if my scalp disagrees, I'll shampoo. 

How was your wash day?

Besitos, 
KLP
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Mini Wash

Hola Chicas!

Good news: I have 2.5 inches of super rizada roots. Bad news: I have 2.5 inches of super rizada roots. Ha-ha! I'm still sticking to my decision to relax in a few weeks after my vacay, but I pray daily that I won't regret it. Instead of fighting with my hair, attempting to coax it into sleek and smooth styles, instead I'm going to work with what I have. I'm thinking that a flexi-rod, braid-out, and bantu knot set will be the way to go. I naturally have big hair and the Florida humidity is only going to make it bigger. Then, if worst comes to worst, I'll pull it up into a big ol bun! So, for the next few days, I think that I'll practice so that I can brush up on my technique. Any suggestions will be appreciated! On to my wash day:

Wash Day Products

(0) Detangled with my magic rake in vertical sections.   
(1) Extreme deep condition with Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner, my essential oil blend, and a little JBCO on my scalp. Plus a 3-1 ratio of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. I massaged a little EVCO through my strands, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for an hour.  
(2) Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags steeped 2 cups of water. I rinsed the conditioner thoroughly. Applied the tea rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle and then let it sit on my hair for 5 minutes while in the shower.
(3) Smoothing treatment with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment. I rinsed the tea and massage a dollop of conditioner to my strands.
(4) Air dried with a cotton t-shirt until my hair was about 80% dry.  (5) Leave Ins- I detangled using the 2 comb method while adding a little Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner and Grapeseed oil to each section. Then I pulled my hair into a loose bun and tied it up with a satin scarf to get my roots to lay down. 

Results: 

Shed hair

A little more of the same ol same ol. Which at this point in my stretch---is a good thing. I did a good detangle the day before my wash which left me with just a few strands of shed hair in the shower. YAY! I'm glad that I gave Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner another try. I love the smell and the slip that it provided. I was actually shocked at how smooth and fluffy my hair felt after I rinsed. A girl could definitely get used to that feeling. Thanks Keyda--your review was on point! If I found it on sale (and I had a coupon again) I'd definitely repurchase to keep in rotation. My hair was fairly easy to detangle and Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner gave my roots a nice boost of moisture. 

How was your last wash day? 

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

My hair was on its very best behavior this week and I was oh too happy about it! Usually, I'm able to go every other day moisturizing and sealing, but with 2 inches of curly roots, I forced myself to show my hair some love. Whenever I think about skipping my nightly routine, I remembered June's only recommendation from my salon visit in early May: "keep your roots moisturized to prevent breakage and add ease in detangling.

Extreme Deep Conditioning

(0) Detangled with my magic rake in vertical sections. 
(1) Extreme deep condition with Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner, my essential oil blend, and a little JBCO on my scalp. Plus a 3-1 ratio of Organix Repairing Instant Recovery Hair Mask Cream Awapuhi Ginger and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. I massaged a little EVCO through my strands, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for an hour. (Pretty short compared to my usual EDCs!)
(2) Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags steeped 2 cups of water. I rinsed the conditioner thoroughly. Applied the tea rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle and then let it sit on my hair for 5 minutes while in the shower. 
(3) Smoothing treatment with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment. I rinsed the tea and massage a dollop of conditioner to my strands.
(4) Air dried with a cotton t-shirt until my hair was about 80% dry. 
(5) Leave Ins- I detangled using the 2 comb method while adding a little Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In and Chi Silk Infusion to each section. Then I pulled my hair into a loose bun and tied it up with a satin scarf to get my roots to lay down.
Results: 

 (Smoother Bun, Texture Shot, Shed Hair)

 
Why haven't I been using my satin scarf to lay down these roots consistently? Smh. My hair was pretty darn smooth and flat. I'm sure that it won't last long, the humidty is hoovering around 75% all week in my part of the world, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well something so simple worked! Normal shed this week and thanks to pre-wash detangling, my hair was surprising easy to detangle.

I've been debating on whether to relax early or suffer with my new growth throughout my upcoming vacay. The problem with relaxing early is that A. I haven't gone less than 12 weeks between relaxers in years! (I was stretching for years without even knowing it! I thought that I was being lazy!) The thought feels so weird and foreign! B. I don't want to be afraid to jump into the pool because I just relaxed my hair. Its not about the hair being straight---its about freshly chemically treated hair + chlorine filled pool. Not a combo that I really want to deal with. So, I've decided to just wait it out. What's another 2 weeks right? Says KLP now...Ha-ha! More news: I'm ditching the Just For Me Texture Softener. Whenever people ask me what brand of relaxer I use, I cringe. I don't even want to tell them because I hate how this treatment is marketed to kids. Even though its the only relaxer that I've used since 2006 and I've had great results with it, I just can't endorse it. Long story short---Mama's looking for a new relaxer! 

Any suggestions? How was your wash day?

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash Day

Styling this week was far easier than it was last week. Nothing like a good wash day and detangling session to get your hair back on track. Last week, I ditched green tea moisturizing in favor of using my It's a 10 Miracle Leave In and then slighting with EVCO or argan oil. I think that I'm forever sold on the 2-comb detangling method. My roots were easier to manage and seemed to behave better (read: lay down!) than they did without it. 

(0) Detangled with my magic rake in vertical sections. 
(1) Extreme deep condition with Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner, my essential oil blend, and a little JBCO on my scalp. Plus a 3-1 ratio of Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Treatment and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. I massaged a little EVCO through my strands, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap forever and a day. Ha-ha. It was really about 3 hours. 
(2) Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags steeped 2 cups of water. I rinsed the conditioner thoroughly. Applied the tea rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle and then let it sit on my hair for 5 minutes while in the shower. 
(3) Smoothing treatment with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment. I rinsed the tea and massage a dollop of conditioner to my strands. I did a little light detangling very very gently. 
(4) Air dried with a cotton t-shirt until my hair was about 80% dry. 
(5) Leave Ins- I detangled using the 2 comb method while adding a little It's a 10 Miracle Leave in and Chi Silk Infusion to each section. 

Results: 
Big Big Hair! I never get tired of saying that. Don't shoot me if you are tired of hearing it. Ha-ha! I just realized that I may want to relax a little early this stretch. My family is going on vacation in about 3 weeks and I totally do not want to deal with 11 week post hair poolside or 2 hour detangling sessions just to get my hair presentable. I usually rock braidouts, high buns, and my 30 second old faithful updo but we're having a huge birthday bash that I want to look my very best for (read: I want to be able to flip my hair for). Oh...what's a chica to do?

A penny for your thoughts: relax a little early or just deal?

Besitos!
KLP