Wash Day | Detangling without a Comb

Happy Resurrection Day/ Easter!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend with friends and family. This week marks our last full week of filming and next week will be a shorter week. I can't believe we made it to episode 22! It's been a long season. Anyway, I wanted to wear twists but didn't have the energy to do smaller ones today. 

Here's a recap of today's wash day:

Pre-pooed with my Aloe Vera Juice and Vegetable Glycerin and The Antidote by Tangles and Beyond. I added heat by using my Hot Heads Cap for about 30 minutes. 

Co-Washed with  Detangling Co-Wash by Mielle Organics.  I always wash my hair in four sections and only use the the pad of my fingers to work it into my scalp. I also focus on the ends of my hair as much as possible. - I used up the last bit of my co-wash and need to order some more asap

 Protein Treatment with GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner by Aubrey Organics  for two minutes.

Deep Conditioned with Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner  under my Hot Head cap for about 35 minutes. Instead of using my Eternally in Amber comb, I used my fingers instead. I carefully worked my fingers through my hair. This deep conditioner has a lot of slip, so it made finger detangling a breeze.

T-shirt dried my hair for about 10 minutes. Then I let my hair hair dry for another 10 minutes or so.

Freshly washed hair without any product

Another pic of my hair without product

Back of my hair

I ended up doing bigger twists in my hair. I'll probably wear this style the rest of the week and the beginning of next week. 

This week's #WashDayExperience theme is Favorite Lazy Hair Day Hairstyle. When I am being lazy and don't want to do anything to my hair, I rock a high puff. It's quick and easy to do. Now that my hair is longer, I really have some volume to my puff. My hair gets tangled very easily so I normally don't wear the puff for more than a day or two.

Flashback to a high puff I wore to work a couple of months ago.

                 How was your #WashDayExperience? Don't forget to join the link-up!

           
               

Deep Conditioning Tips for Wash Day

Happy first day of spring! I'm excited for spring because that means we're one step closer to better weather here in Portland. Last week I styled my hair in chunky twists but my Thursday, I wanted to let my hair out. I thought about my washing my hair today but, honestly after the long work week I didn't have the strength to do much to my hair. So, instead I retwisted my hair in mini twists today. I'll keep them in for the work week and I'll probably wash my hair Friday or Saturday.

Showing off my mini twists

       

Striking a pose again

Now on to the reason of my post: Deep Conditioning Tips for Wash Day:

1. Apply deep conditioner in sections - I got this particular tip from Jen of Just Grow Already. Like Jen, I apply my deep conditioner to my ends first and then work it through the rest of my hair.  Working in sections makes the process easier and allows me to focus on each individual section.





2. Add heat to the mix- When I started my healthy hair journey (at the time I was still relaxing my hair), I realized that using heat when deep conditioning helped it penetrate my hair. It also left my hair feel soft and moisturized. Now as a naturalista, I have implemented the same idea to my wash day routine. My go-to heat source is my Hot Heads Conditioning Cap. I normally wear the cap anywhere from 30-45 minutes.

Throwback  of me in my Hot Heads Cap

3. Boost your deep conditioner with oil(s)- Adding oils is another great way to boost the benefits of your conditioner and also provides you with more slip. I've only done this a few times with Jojoba Oil and it definitely stepped up my conditioner game.

What are some of your favorite deep conditioning tips/hacks? Don't forget to share your #washdayexperience!

Wash Day | Detangling Tips

I originally planned on wearing my recent low manipulation style for two weeks, but after one week I decided to take it out. I wore a curly afro on Saturday and then a big puff this morning before I started my wash day process. I have to admit I really didn't want to wash my hair today. The past week was really busy and I didn't have the energy to do my hair. But, with my work schedule Sunday was the only day I could get it done, in between my best friend's visit from NYC.

Pre-pooed with my Aloe Vera Juice and Vegetable Glycerin and The Antidote by Tangles and Beyond. I saturate my hair with the Aloe Vera Juice and Glycerin before applying The Antidote to my strands.  I added heat by using my Hot Heads Cap for about 30 minutes. 

Co-Washed with  Detangling Co-Wash by Mielle Organics

 Protein Treatment with GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner by Aubrey Organics 

Deep Conditioned with Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner  under my Hot Head cap for about an hour--not on purpose.

After a weekend full of Portland sightseeing and eating with my bestie and husband, I was not thrilled about doing mini twists in my hair. Instead, I opted for big chunky twists for the week.

My big chunky twists.

Detangling Tips

Here are a few of my detangling tips that I've learned throughout my natural hair journey

My detangling go-to products and tools

1) It all starts with the pre-poo session- For me the pre-poo part of the wash day is my first step in handling tangles and knots. I like to finger detangle and search for any shed hairs or tangles in my hair. Recently, I've found that wetting my hair with water, Aloe Vera Juice and water (in my hand dandy blue spritz bottle) before applying The Antidote works wonders for my hair. In addition to removing shed hairs, my pre-poo concoction leaves my hair soft and moisturized.

2) Find a deep conditioner with good slip- Another great tip to make detangling a smooth process on wash day, is find a good deep conditioner. Hopefully, deep conditioning is already a big part of your natural hair care regimen. On wash day, I apply my deep conditioner and sit under my Hot Heads cap for at least 30 minutes. The added heat and slip from my conditioner makes my "official" detangling better.

3) Make sure you have the proper detangling tool- Yes, I'm one of those naturalistas that only uses combs on wash day. I like detangling with my Eternally in Amber comb with my deep conditioner still in my hair. I love the combs from Eternally in Amber because they don't snag, rip or tear out my hair. Whichever detangling tool you use (Denman brush, comb, etc.) make sure you choose something that won't damage your tresses.

4) Choose a good Leave-in Conditioner - I think a good leave-in conditioner is just as important as your deep conditioner. I have really thick, coarse curls that love to get tangled when wet. So, you guessed it even after I detangle my hair can still sometimes get tangles during the final rinse stage. Instead of detangling with a comb AGAIN, I use my leave-in conditioner from Tangles and Beyond. This sweet smelling leave-in, melts my tangles almost instantly without a comb and has become a lifesaver. 

What are some of your favorite detangling tips or tricks? Join the #WashDay experience and take part in the March Themes. 

               
     

Wash Day | Dry Scalp Remedies + A New Low Manipulation Hairstyle

Happy Sunday everyone!

I hope you're enjoying March so far. I'm holding out hope that we'll have an early spring/summer here in Portland, but I'm sure that won't happen. Anyway, let's get into this week's #WashDayExperience theme: Dry Scalp Remedies.


The first several months after I big chopped, I dealt with having a dry and itchy scalp. It took some time but I found some remedies that work for me. Here are a few of my tips for alleviating a dry scalp.

My first line of defense against a dry scalp

1) Aloe Vera Spritz - I picked this particular tip up from HealthyHairJourney72 and tailored it for my own needs. What I really like about this spray is that it is filled with natural oils. I find that natural oils work better on my scalp and provide the best moisture for my strands. To see what I include in my Aloe Vera mixture, click here (* since that post I have also included the White Peony Ultra Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner ).

2) Mint Almond Oil- I absolutely love this oil! I pour a little in my hands and apply it to my scalp. What I love about this oil is that it's lightweight and gives my scalp the moisture it needs. It's also a great sealant oil for the LOC method.

3) Bee Sensitive Oil Free Hair Serum- This is another one of my favorite dry scalp remedies. This hair serum is designed for those with "dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and other sensitive skin conditions". The serum helps "calm the scalp and promotes a healthy environment for optimal growth". It can be used daily or every other day. Read my review of the serum here.

4) Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother)- I have to thank The Mane Objective for this dry scalp remedy. Before using this I had problems with dandruff. Once I incorporated an ACV rinse to my wash day routine (I dilute it with water), my dandruff  has been under control. I like to use this as the final rinse on wash day and I really massage it in my scalp to remove product buildup. I love the way my scalp feels after my ACV rinse.

Yesterday, I stopped by Studio Six Nine Hair Design for another low manipulation hairstyle. As much as I love doing my own hair, I love treating myself to a little pampering. I wanted to try a chunky twist hairstyle for my next low manipulation hairstyle. I've tried doing chunky twists on my own but I haven't been happy with the results.

Chunky twist inspiration

 Usually Cher'e comes up with a style once I get to the salon, which is fine by me. Lol. This is the first time I actually had a hairstyle in mind. And like always Cher'e delivered a cute hairstyle. I plan on wearing the twists the rest of the week and then wear a twist out.

How was your wash day? Don't forget to share your #WashDayExperience!