Wash-n-go's

     All• About •WASH•N•GO’s

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!! I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday (I know I did J).  The reason I wanted to write about wash-n-go’s is because I have FINALLY found the routine that gets my curls poppin and requires very little attention at night, or in the morning. 

To give you all a quick history::::   One of the main reasons I wanted to go natural was to have FABULOUS hair that required little attention.  The concept of Wash-n-go’s were magical to me. I often thought if only I was blessed with curly tresses, I wouldn’t have to deal with a burnt, sore scalp after a session with the Dominicans, having to wrap my hair at night only to struggle with a silk scarf that kept coming off, THEN struggle with the kinks that have escaped and needed to be flat ironed/blow dried in the morning…ONLY to have the WIND mess up my do while I was outside (OR GAWD FORBID THE RAIN)…It was a never ending struggle…

Just so you know what I am working with I have 3c/4a hair.  As mentioned in earlier blog entries, I transitioned for 8 months.  I mostly transitioned with weaves (for five months) and then with straw sets and bantu-twist outs (for three months), I BC’ED (big chopped) on 11-14-2011.  I didn’t measure my hair the day I chopped it, so I have included some pictures so you can have a guesstimate.  When I BC’ED on 11/14/11, the FIRST thing I attempted was a wash-n-go….EPIC FAIL.  I think my hair was still in shock of the drastic cut and was rebelling.  I had yet to discover the wonderful world of oils and natural products, or the routine that worked for me.  THIS is why I am simply ECSTATIC that I have mastered (somewhat) the wash-no-go for my hair.

With that said I dedicate this entry to my wash-n-go routine and attempt to answer the questions that I was bogged down with at first! I researched and youtubed others techniques for wash-n-go’s and saw what worked for them.  I then added or subtracted steps and VIOLA! here is my wash-n-go routine:

1.   The day before I am scheduled to cleanse my hair (I co-wash my hair once every 1-2 weeks, depending on product build up) I normally spray my hair with some distilled water/oil mixture and then massage some warm jojoba oil in my hair using an applicator bottle.  I give myself about a 2 minute massage making sure to tilt my hair backwards to get the blood circulating through the entire strand.  I then wrap my hair with saran wrap; and place both a shower cap and a plastic bag tied around my head.  LASTLY I place my stain bonnet over it.  I sleep with this through the night (make sure that you place a towel over your pillow) and half of the next day as I do my chores (this is normally taking place Saturday night into Sunday morning).  If I can stand it, or have no plans over the weekend, I will allow the oil to penetrate my hair until Monday morning. 

 2.   Once I am in the shower I allow warm water to rinse my hair.  I do not disturb my natural curl patters by scrubbing right away.  Once my hair is soaked I first apply some conditioner (I use suave, I have yet to try another one like Giovanni), to soften my hair (normally from ends to the root, with the ends being the oldest and most fragile part it should have moisturizer applied to it first).  I then cleanse my hair with a product that is much like WEN called Lisa Racheal (I have included a pic, $10.00 in most BS Stores).  I co-wash about three times.  The third time I leave some in and place a shower cap over my head and attend to other duties (You can combine with your fav DC). 

3.   After about 20 minutes or so, I wash out the Lisa Rachel and finger comb.  Do not be alarmed if there is shedding during this phase.  It is COMPLETLEY normal to shed about 100 strands of hair DAILY. 

4.   After the hair has been detangled, I place a hand full of the Lisa Rachels as a leave in, then place some conditioner in my hair to keep it moisturized and frizz free.  I have researched the effect leaving normal conditioner in your hair.  All sites and books that I have read/research actually ENCOURAGE curly girls to leave a little if not all conditioner in your hair! The conditioner will hydrate your hair.  Hydration is ESPECIALLY important for naturals, as it is NATURAL for our hair to be dry!

5.   This is where my routine may differ from others.  I choose NOT to apply my products while I am in the shower.  Since I wash-n-go before I hurry off to work, I have found that apply the product to dripping hair takes FOREVER to dry!  SO, after I have applied the conditioner and WEN in my hair as a leave in I shake my head in the shower to get my curls to form and naturally lay.  I step out the shower and scrunch out the excess water/conditioner with either an old t-shirt or microfiber towel (reduces frizz and friction on the hair).  I then apply my products

  6.   The first product I have been using is Shea Moisture curling  soufflé and curling smoothie.  I have found that I don’t need a TON of product on my hair.  I start the application at the crown, the back; and then the middle.  After I apply about a dollop (and I use that term loosely of each product I shake my head all over (because I don’t like matted curls).  And VIOLA! Im out the door!!!

NOW, one thing I have discovered is the hair that I go to sleep with under the bonnet at night, is NOT the same hair I wake up with in the morning.  I have included some pics to kind of show you what I’m working with.  I have since tried some techniques that gets my hair looking as it was the day before and with little work (or water) in the mornings.

If you wake up with DRY hair:  FIRST, you should have a moisturizing routine that seals your hair every morning and every night.  I cannot say enough that it is natural for our hair to be DRY.  If I find my hair is super dry (either from the weather or products) I simply apply some oil or some of my fav conditioner in my hair, place a shower cap and my bonnet and sleep through the night.  In the morning I simply spritz my hair with my water/oil mixture and apply some product (Shea moisture or argan oil) and it looks as it did the day before! Below are the pics after I have spritzed my hair with my water and oil concoction and after aplying the shea moisture products. The hair in the pics is after the hair has dried.

Pineappleing is another technique that many use.  I have found that my hair is a bit too short and the pony tails a bit too annoying lol.  This technique is either gathering ALL of your hair in a high pony tail and placing your bonnet over it, or making several little loose pony tails all over your head.  The idea is that the curls will be preserved as you are not laying on them.  In the morning simply take the pony tails out and moisturize and shake your head and you are good to go!!!

There are some ladies who choose to co-wash daily.  There is nothing wrong with this! You are not using the harsh shampoo everyday (that strips your hair of all nutrients).  I basically do the same thing with my spritz bottle of distilled water and oils.  It would just be to long of a process for me to co-wash my hair daily! 

For ladies with TWA’s who want their curls to pop and is to short to finger coil, there is a cool technique called quick finger coils where you simply use a hard brush and using circular motions “brush” your hair.  I have included some links to videos below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaEoDhwVx3o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6peuHWPPhFA

I hope I have helped some who were a little scared of trying the wash-n-go technique!! If there are any questions, suggestions or what have you, please feel free to comment below!!!! Have a fabulous rest of your day naturalistas!!!!

Xoxo~Nickie~

Winter Hair Protection...

Winter Hair Protection….what is it and what are your options

During the Winter Months, your natural hair care routine may need to be altered to prepare for the cold, brutal winds and all types of scarves and hats that the season brings! As always, you must be gentle on your hair and pay extra attention to the harsh elements that winter brings!

  What Winter Brings

Cold Winds: Strong winds can tangle the hair and rob it of its moisture and makes is SUPER dry.  You will especially notice the changes in your hair during comb outs or detangling sessions   :::side note:::: I NEVER COMB MY HAIR WITH AN ACTUAL COMB!!! I only use my fingers, this decreases shedding and tension on the hair follicle and scalp…

Scarves and Hats:  Though stylish and warm, hair and neck accessories will often rub against your hair, causing frizz and breakage.  Fabric like wool will snag the hair and cause it to break.  I for one LOVE wearing hats and scarves in the winter months, they really allow me to JAZZ up any ‘ole outfit!!! What I do is place or sew a silk bonnet to the inside of my hat.  I can even condition by placing my favorite hair conditioner or oil in my hair then a plastic shower cap (or bag), then the bonnet and the hat over it!! I have an example of what I am talking about below!!

Heat from the office or home: Though the warm air will bring relief from the winter chill, it may not be relief for your natural tresses!  The heat will remove moisture from the air which will leave your hair thirsty! 

                                                 EASY SOLUTIONS

As I already mentioned above, wearing a silk bonnet, silk scarf or stocking cap will greatly reduce any friction that the hat bring as it rubs up against your hair.  It will also protect your hair by keeping your ends un-exposed to the harsh winter elements (your ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair).  You can also use this method to condition your hair.  All you have to do is place your favorite warm oil (:::side note:::warm open pores so that conditioner can touch the follicle, cold closes the follicle.  That is why you should always rinse your hair with cool water so that the follicle is closed and shedding is less)  or hair conditioner in your hair, place s hower cap or plastic bag over it, place the bonnet and then your hat.  I have worn this look for DAYS lol, especially when it is super cold and I have to trudge to work!  The result is shiny, conditioned hair days later! 

Purchase a humidifier for your home/office:  If your home or office becomes extremely warm in the winter months, it may be beneficial to purchase a humidifier.  It will keep the air moist and keep your hair and skin hydrated.

Don’t use SHAMPOO!!!:  Since I have become au natural, I have sworn off shampoo and it’s toxins!  I prefer to either use an all natural cleanser or wash my hair with conditioner.  Shampoo can often strip hair of its natural oils leaving the hair thirsty and dry. 

Protective hairstyles are AWESOME and keep your hair protected.  I have listed some options below. 

Bantu Knots: This style is simple.  I often used this style while I was transitioning.  You simply section the hair (the smaller the better I say) and start doing 2 strand twists, then take the completed twist and wrap the hair around itself, forming a small knot.  You can either rock this style as is, or sleep on it and take the twist down in the morning and fluff and be out the door.  (It is more of a protective style when the ends are hidden in the knot.  )

Braids:  Braids are a great alternative to keep the hair protected.  Personally, I do not put braids in my hair because I have always been tender headed and the tension proves to be to much for my scalp.  I have often lost a lot of hair when taking out braided styles.  If you choose to get micro braids or another popular braiding style, be wary of your edges!!!

Wigs:  Wigs are AWESOME!! Especially in the winter time (you won’t be hot!).  You can easily keep your hair moisturized by plaiting your hair (jumbo cornrows), placing your stocking over it then the wig and VIOLA! Instant hair!  There are also PLENTY of wigs that look all natural!  Wigs also allow you to change up your stlye whenever you want and can be inexpensive!!! (Taren916 on youtube does very good wig reviews! & yes! that is a WIG On her in the pic! )

Most importantly ladies, Do what works for your hair. You do not HAVE to change your routine if it is working for you. These are only suggestions, evaluate your hair as winter progresses and go from there....

                Happy Holidays all :) ~~Nickie

Stress and your H•A•I•R

Ladies we are all superheroes that have about 1,000 tasks on our daily to-do lists.  We are ALWAYS putting on a different hat, whether it is mother, co-worker, friend, boss or all of the above!!!  It is only natural for us to feel stress from the kids, the husband•bf•gf• work, BILLS; and life in general.  So, as I suffer through a particularly stressful week at work I wonder—how is this going to impact my tresses?

Since going doing my BC on 11-14-2011, I have literally become OBSESSED with my hair and all things surrounding it!  (ergo, the birth of this blog!).  I decided to research the topic “Stress and My Hair” and see what I came up with…It has been said that stress can make you go gray, or cause you to lose your hair. Is that possible? 

A normal head of hair contains about 120,000-150,000 strands of hair.  Usually, at any one time, about 90% of those hairs are in a growing phase, growing by about 1/2 inch each month.  This phase lasts for two to three years.  At that point, a hair will go into a resting stage. This "rest" lasts for 3 to 4 months before the hair falls out and is replaced by a new one.

Typically, people shed about 100 hairs a day," says Carolyn Jacob, MD, founder and medical director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. "Most people don't even notice."

Sometimes, a significant stress of some sort may initiate a change in your body's routine functions, which causes a disproportionate number of hairs to go into the resting phase at the same time.  Then three to four months later, sometimes longer, all those resting hairs are shed.  The effect can be alarming.

The types of events that disrupt the normal hair cycle can be caused by the substantial physiological stresses on your body.  This particular statement reminds me of the women in my other natural hair care groups complain about hair retention and how their hair does not seem to be growing.  There is no way that your hair can not be growing.  However, if you have been running on a never-ending treadmill of stress, it is possible the hair can stay in the resting phase, before completely growing to its full potential, then fall out.  Hair loss can be one way the body responds to significant physiological stress that may be brought on by diet, medical, or lifestyle changes.   The good news is that the hair loss from these kinds of events is usually only temporary, as long as the stress event is temporary. Once the stressor is addressed, or goes away on its own, hair grows back and the normal hair cycle resumes.

There are several additives, besides stress that may impact your tresses. 

            • Change in Diet

            • Severe Illness

            • After childbirth (estrogen levels fall)

            • Oral contraceptives (may cause increased shedding due to hormones)

           

****Unlike other types of hair loss that are more often permanent, hair loss during the normal hair growth cycle happens suddenly. It also doesn't normally cause bald spots, or follow a pattern like genetic or autoimmune-related hair loss. ***

I do recommend that if you have several small or large bald spots or scalp irritation, I advise you to seek medical attention from either your PCP or dermatologist. 

Lets DE-STRESS LADIES!!! Your HAIR will appreciate it!!!

Happy Thursday Fellow Naturalistas!!!

***Deep Conditioning Recipes….Under FIVE dollars!!!!***

Good Afternoon Fellow Naturalistas!

One thing I learned when I went natural is that it is SUPER easy to become a product JUNKIE!  Especially with purchasing Deep Conditioner since it is natural for our natural hair to be dry.  Most of this was inspired by reading reviews on different products (Miss. Jessies, Uncle Funky’s) and saying OMG! I NEED this product to make my hair look like HERS!! Or to define my curl pattern! OR to give me some HANG TIME and stop all of this SHRINKAGE!

THEN…..I saw the prices of the products and my jaw dang near hit the floor LOL…I thought to myself that there had to be an in-expensive way to condition my hair (besides using oils, which I talk about in length here: http://curlykinkyqt.blogspot.com/2011/12/can-my-kinkz-ever-be-moisturized.html) and make it look just as fabulously conditioned and moisturized! 

One thing I love about being natural is that you are able to experiment with various deep conditioning techniques that you may not have been able to use when you were permed!  A lot of the techniques and recipes that I am about to list you can make at home with products from your pantry!! These are recipes that I have used and that I have loved (or not, I will give a review if I didn’t like it and tell you why below)

Ladies, please feel free to leave your own recipe in the comments section below and don’t forget to follow me before you leave!!

                                               

                                                                 RECEPIES

1.      Jojoba Hot Oil Treatment-I buy this product from the Beauty supply store.  The bottle is 3.99 and has SO many uses! You can either use it alone by simply soaking the bottle in a hot (not boiling or the bottle with warp) glass of water.  I normally take the cup and set it by the shower.  I apply the oil treatment when I first step into the shower and then rinse it out after I am done with everything else (normally 20-30 minutes so the steam from the shower can get to it)

Another option with the Jojoba oil is to apply it he night before your wash day.  Apply liberally to scalp and hair (ensuring you make it down to the ends).  You can either apply it warm or room temperature.  Give yourself a brief scalp massage (ensuring that you tip your head back slightly so that the blood flow can reach the ends of your hair).  Cover your hair with a shower cap and/or plastic bag and then place your silk bonnet over it.  You can sleep while the oil is penetrating your hair. 

Lastly, another option for this wonderful oil is to use it in your water spritzer bottle mixed with your other essential oils.  You can moisturize your hair daily with this mixture! 

The oil is not GREASY at all!!! I love this oil and it has many benefits to both your hair and skin!

                                                      

2.      Mayo/Egg/Honey Deep Conditioner- Combine in a bowl Half an avocado, mashed (could be a whole avocado for longer hair), 6 heaping tablespoons of Mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons honey (optional—however honey is a great humectant and provides awesome SH!NE).  Mix the products together and apply to your hair after you do a brief co-wash (wash with conditioner instead of shampoo).  I don’t leave this conditioner on for very long due to not wanting the egg to dry in my hair.  This conditioner is protein rich which is essential to develop strong hair!     I normally do this conditioner once every 2-3 weeks, or when my hair seems dry and lackluster! (Real mayonnaise can be used to add luster and vitality to dry hair. Using it as a conditioner also will increase the shine, and it is simple to use. The best part is that mayonnaise is a kitchen staple, so it is always on hand)

3.      Avocado Conditioner- Combine in a blender one half RIPE avocado (much softer and easier to mix if the avocado is ripe) and 5-6 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise.   I only suggest that you Blend oppose to hand mix because it is important that the Avocado is completely blended or you will be picking out chunks of avocado from your hair after it is dry.  This DC treatment provides excellent moisture to your hair.  ( I don’t normally use this conditioner in my hair because of the avocado, but others LOVE it so I thought it would share it <3 )

4.      Tropical Island Conditioner- Combine 1 can of coconut milk and one half of a ripe avocado.  This DC treatment providers UBER moisture to your hair.  This DC should have the consistency of a Suave Ceapie conditioner.  If you find that it is too runny, add some of your own regular conditioner into it.

                                                  

5.      Baking Soda Treatment for heavy product build up- There does come a time where you will have heavy product build-up on your scalp that just cannot seem to be washed away by co-washing.  In this event, don’t fret, used baking soda!  Simply combine the following:

3 tablespoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons creamy honey
1/4 teaspoon water
Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse (1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups cool water [the cooler the better])

Mix ingredients together to form a paste. Add additional water, a few drops at a time, if mixture is too thick.  Shampoo hair as usual before applying the concoction.   Apply mixture to hair and leave on for up to five minutes.  Rinse hair as usual.  Poor Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse through hair, do not rinse again [the cider vinegar scent will very quickly dissipate].  If your hair is "squeaky clean" apply a light, silicone-free conditioner or silicone-free leave-in conditioner.  The ACV rinse is also awesome on its own as a detangling agent!  I would suggest testing this on a small portion of your hair at first to ensure that it does not dry you out. 

6.      Minty Conditioner- Steep 2 mint tea bags or a handful of fresh mint in 2 cups of boiling water. After the water has cooled, remove the tea bags or strain out the mint. Use the mint tea as a refreshing hair rinse.

7.      Lemon and Yogurt Conditioner- Mix together 1/4 cup plain yogurt, an egg yolk, and two pinches of minced lemon rinds. Massage the conditioner into your hair, rinse it out, and then shampoo. (If your hair is feeling a little brittle or dry, yogurt is going to fix you right up. It’s long been known as a hair softener, and full of protein, which will help strengthen the follicles. It also, I’ve noticed, gives a distinct and head-turning shine to hair.)

                                            Did you know...?

Most shampoos and conditioners are slightly acidic, which helps protect the protein structure of your hair. This is one reason rainwater really is a good rinse for your hair. A little vinegar or lemon juice in a lot of water can give your hair a shine boost too.

STAY BEAUTIFUL LADIES!!!!!

XOXO

NICKIE