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After nearly a year & a half as a natural i'm at a kind of crossroads... My hair is gaining length but not strength, thickness and lacks moisture - my ends are especially dry! I've been braiding (extensions) my hair on and off for the last year, mainly because I was worried that I wouldn't have the time to style my hair once it gained some length and i'm so busy studying for my Master's. I've now discovered that keeping my hair in braids was compromising the health of my hair since I was unable to access the needs of my hair through the seasons. So after doing a little research (and hounding Sistaslick for advice ;)), i've decided to do away with the braids altogether and concentrate on nurturing my natural hair back to health.
So I discovered that healthy hair derives from the right balance between protein and moisture. Looking at the products i've been using I had waaaaay too much protein going on (Infusium 23, LeKairs deep conditioner, and to a lesser extent shea butter) and not enough moisture (Scurl and Creme of Nature shampoo). Since i'm a natural I need less protein then say someone who has relaxed hair, so basically I was 'protein happy.' My new regimine will try to redress the imbalance and add moisture to stop the breaking i'm experiencing. Also i've learnt that I need to 'seal in' my moisture using oils (not to be confused with essential oils!)
P.S. To learn more about Breakage & the Protein/Moisture balance, visit http://p069.ezboard.com/fblackbeautyblackhair86911frm13.showMessage?topicID=652.topic This topic was written by Sistaslick (hair guru!) and it's extremely helpful!
My regimen...
Wash once a week with Creme of Nature Moisturizing Shampoo.
Condition straight after with Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner (if I have time i'll deep condtion with this).
Deep Conditon once a month with either LeKairs Cholesteral conditoner or ORS Egg mayo (depending on hair needs, ORS has slighly more protein content). I'll use my steamer to do this for 45 mins - 1 hour. I don't think i'll need a strong protein conditoner such as the Aphogee, my hair shouldn't need it!
After each wash spray hair and scalp, while wet, with Infusium 23 Moisturizing leave-in conditioner.
When hair is almost dry moisturize with ORS Olive Oil, paying close attention to my ends. I'll 'seal in' the moisture with either Carrot oil, Olive oil or Surge's Lotion Motion oil. (If hair needs more protein i'll moisturize hair with raw Shea Butter).
If needed i'll follow up mositurizing with Scurl spray throughout the day or use a water-based creme conditioner spritz made out of my Nexxus Humectress conditioner and Rosemary Essential oils.
Once a month i'll clarify my hair with Pantene ProV Clarifying shampoo.
When at home i'll use the Baggie Method to preserve my ends - i'll probably just use the ORS olive oil & oils.
Massage scalp twice a day for5-10 mins (we'll see how long this lasts!!)
Sleep in silk scarf.
Trim ends only if they need it!
No brushes or heat!
If I find that this routine tips the blance in favor of moisture I may incorporate more protein based products into my regimen i.e. a more protein based shampoo or conditoner.
Wish me luck!!
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