These pictures were taken the other day after my bi-weekly routine, which the snow storm just destroyed so back to square one.
Steps to a Happy and Healthy Transition:
1. Assess your hair at home in the mirror. If it is long enough take a look at the ends looking for single stranded knots, splits etc. Become comfortable with looking at your hair in its natural state.
2. Invest in a good pair of hair sheers. Do NOT cut your hair at home with craft scissors. You can find a wide range of sheers at Sally's. Use them, clean them, dry them and store them in a dry place to avoid rusting and any mildew forming on the metal. This will ensure they are always sharp as possible.
3. Purchase a seamless shower comb. I like the Jilbere shower comb, which can be purchased from Sally's for about 9 bucks.
Description:
Jilbere Pastel Shower Comb is a wide-toothed shower comb designed for detangling.
* Evenly distributes conditioner through wet hair
* Nylon ball tips are extra gentle on scalp
* 12 wide-spaced teeth easily detangles curls and snarls
* Convenient arched handle for easy hanging
* Available in assorted pastel colors: pink, blue, green and purple
Ideal for use when hair is wet.
This jilbere de paris shower comb is worth its weight in gold.
4. Use co-washing instead of shampoo to cleanse your hair. If your hair has lots of product build up try a clarifying shampoo instead. My favorite conditioner is Aussie Moist, Hello Hydration and Suave Humectant. Co-washing is using conditioner as opposed to shampoo as shampoo contains sulfates which are harsh and drying to your natural curls. You may choose to add your favorite oil to your conditioner to ease the pain of combing your natural tresses. I like Castor Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. This technique is called Pre-poo. You would apply this treatment to your hair prior to washing. The oil will aid in detangling.
5. Use a weekly deep conditioning treatment. My favorites are Olive Oil Replenishing pack by Organic Root Stimulator and Milk Protein & Olive Oil pack by Sof n Free. I usually put either of these on my hair after it's been cleaned for about 30-45 minutes and then rinse with cool water. Cool water closes your cuticles on the hair follicle which prevents frizzy hair and breakage. This is also great for your skin as well wash with warm water and rinse with cool.
6. Use a good leave in conditioner after towel drying your hair with a TERRY CLOTH towel. Regular cotton towels pull your hair strands and cause dryness as well as breakage. Terrycloth is uber soft and forgiving. It will absorb lots of water and leave your hair in supreme condition. I love Sebastian Potion No. 9 as my leave in, which I also purchase the generic brand at Sally's.
7. If I am wearing my hair natural I detangle it with Knot Today, a Kinky Curly product. Now while this bottle is about 12 bucks it does melt your hair into buttery goodness. I purchase mine at Whole Foods. You can also order it online or get from Target.
8. If I am wearing my hair straight, I apply Silk Remedy the generic brand of Chi Silk infusion. This stuff is so great. My hair literally feels like silk. It's a new find and definitely my favorite staple product so far.
9. Heat Protectant should be sprayed on your hair before you apply heat. For this I use Ion Straightening solutions. Use before blowdryer, flat iron. hot comb etc.
10. Last but NOT least invest in a good silk scarf. I have a Pretty Wrap which can be purchased here http://www.prettywrap.com/information.php?info_id=4
Strengthening Staples
~ Jamila Henna Buy Here
I recommend the following brands of Henna: Jamila, Nupur, and Dulhan. If you have relaxed or transitioning hair, please use Body Art Quality Henna only [like Jamila]. You can also purchase Henna at your local Indian Grocer, or http://www.hennaforhair.com/.
~ Jazzing Rinse Black & Clear Gloss
~ Lozione Rivitalizzante by Alter Ego Buy Here
Great Resources for Hair/Skin Staples
~ Whole Foods
~ Amazon
Questions, Concerns, Comments???? Ask Away
