Wash day post: Recovering from Breakage

If you have been following my posts, you would know that I suffered a setback as a result of breakage. This was especially evident in my thin ends after my texlax in December 2016. I did a major trim back them and I've also been trimming/dusting every other washday. During trimming I've noticed quite a bit of split and bent ends. Of course I snip away anytime I find them. To reduce the breakage and improve the overall health of my hair, I've incorporated more protein into my washdays.

Washday recap

• Prepoo: Palm kernel oil (this is my new found oil-love, it's awesome) with heat for 20 minutes
• Shampoo: VO5 Shampoo
• Deep Conditioner: ORS Hair Mayonnaise + A tablespoon of vegetable glycerin + tablespoon Tropic Isle JBCO with Sage with heat for 45 minutes. My hair especially loves this deep conditioner. It makes my hair so soft yet strong, unlike the typical hard feeling that follows protein DC. Last year, I rarely  used it as much as I used to because I thought I could substitute it with Organics Hair Mayonnaise. My hair did not take to it at all, and this probably contributed to my breakage problems. It's time to give my what it wants. 
• Leave-in: AfrobyNature Hydrating Leave-in sealed with Tropic Isle JBCO with Sage. Oiled my scalp with Tropic Isle JBCO with Sage + Coconut oil + Peppermint oil
• Styling: The heat here now is crazy and I hate having hair on my neck on when I'm sweaty. It drives me crazy. So, I settled on a style that would protect my hair but keep it of my neck. Bantu knots with extensions.

Do you like my hairstyle? I'm loving it. If you try it, tag me on instagram. @hairvolutionbybee.

xx,
Bee

Henna Washday + Flexi rod set using "Horseshoe Method"

This is a recap of my first washday post texlax touch-up. It also doubled as my Henna application day.

• I mixed 100gms unbranded natural henna powder with cooled green tea (made with 2 bags) in a plastic bowl, covered it and left it overnight for dye release.
• The following day, I was feeling quite lazy so I used the Henna mix as a prepoo. I added 2 tablespoons of honey to the henna mix and applied to my slightly damp hair. I dampened my hair to make applying the henna easier and less messy. For more details on how I mix and apply henna, read this post 

Just after applying the henna mix

• I  left the henna on  (covered with clingfilm) for 4 hours. I rinsed the henna out and then shampoo'd twice with Creme of Nature Moisture and Shine Sulphate-free Shampoo.
• I then deep conditioned with Hairveda Sitrinillah Deep Conditioner for 20 minutes with heat from my Electric heating cap. I then rinsed with cool water and tshirt-dried.
• Now to styling, some weeks ago, I stumbled on a video on youtube with a new approach to flexi rod sets. The Horseshoe Method, what I really loved about the technique is the fact that you would use less flexi rods. Hence, sleeping with flexi rods would be easier, so I decided to try it. Watch video below. 

 CurlDaze Horseshoe Method  (Flexi rod set)

• For my flexi rod set, I oiled my scalp, applied African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Moisture Intense Leave-in Conditioner and detangled in sections. I then applied Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Moisturising Curl Activator Cream and sealed with Grapeseed Oil. I used a total of 8 small flexi rods. 
• I tied my hair with my satin scarf and went to bed. The following morning, I checked and some sections especially in front were not completely dry. I was a little worried but I think the curls still came out fine. I applied Grapeseed Oil to my palms and seperated the curls.

I will definitely use the "Horseshoe Method" again. 

Third day curls still popping

How was your last washday? Would you try this new flexi rod set technique?

xx,

Bee 

WashDay Post: Protective Style Prep.

I was amazed by how easy my last washday was. I was sincerely prepared for a tangle nightmare since I was 17 weeks post relaxer touch-up.  But...I was pleasantly surprised.

Here's what I did and what I used.

Pre-poo : I spritzed my hair with water just to dampen it, then I applied HairvolutionbyBee Whipped Shea Butter and I finger detangled. I further detangled each section with a wide-toothed comb. I made about 8 sections and twisted each detangled section up to keep it out of the way. I pre-pooed for about 10 minutes.

     

Cleansing/Washing : I used Creme of Nature Moisture and Shine Sulphate-free Shampoo and lathered twice.

Deep conditioning: I wrapped my hair in a tshirt while I grabbed my Aphogee Keratin Two Minutes Reconstructor. I felt it was time for a protein treatment, especially because I wanted to install a long term protective style. I left the Aphogee Keratin Two Minutes Reconstructor in for about 15 minutes  (with heat). I rinsed it out and I followed with generous amount of V05 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia with aloe extract Moisturising Conditioner. I used this rinse out conditioner to restore some moisture after the protein treatment. Although my hair felt quite soft already but safe than sorry. I detangled my hair under running water. I usually do this whenever I have a lot of new growth.

Post-wash care: I used Megagrowth Profectiv Daily Leave-in Strengthener, followed with Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Carrot Growth Serum, detangled and then blow dried on cool setting with the comb attachment of a hand dryer I recently purchased. I'll update you on that later. I did all these working in small sections.

Here's a picture my blow-dried hair.

Blow-dried hair @ 17 weeks post 

It looks like I've retained length, but my ends.... aarrggh... they look awful. I can't wait for texlax day so I can do a proper trim . This was a wonderful washday, despite the fact that I'm 17 weeks post. Happy hair ! Happy Bee!!!

                                     

Can you guess the protective style I installed? Style post coming up next. *winks*

xx, 
Bee

Henna Washday - #WashDayExperience

My last washday was also my henna day. 

Here is a brief recap:

I used Nupur Henna this time unlike the unbranded one I've been using. I got Nupur Henna from Sizzelle @ N800. I decided to try it because of the 8 additional herbs it has in it. I mixed and prepared the whole satchet the same way I did here. 

While waiting for dye release, I prepooed with V05 Herbal Escapes Sun Kissed Raspberry with Chamomile Extract Balancing Conditioner + A tablespoon of Tropic Isle JBCO (Rosemary) + A tablespoon Estella Pride Vegetable Glycerin + A tablespoon Now Foods Grapeseed Oil + drops of peppermint oil.

My Pre-poo Mix 

It was also the washday for clarifying, so I washed with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo, lathered twice. I had the intention of doing a last lather with Creme of Nature Moisture and Shine Sulphate-free Shampoo to restore some moisture. However, I got lazy and decided not to. Lol

I wrapped my hair in a cotton tshirt to absorb some moisture while I got my henna mix ready. I added Estella Pride Vegetable Glycerin and some Grapeseed Oil (I didn't measure just gauged), mixed it up till it was smooth. 

I put on an old tshirt, applied vaseline around the perimeter of my hair and snapped on my gloves. I applied the henna mix using my method of starting in the middle and rolling into a bun until I have a huge bun. I especially love this method because it keeps the henna from drying out and becoming crumbly, it's less messy, it keeps henna off my neck and face since no hair is hanging down. 

I left the henna in for about 4 hours and rinsed it out quite easily. I used cowashed with V05 Herbal Escapes Sun Kissed Raspberry with Chamomile Extract Balancing Conditioner till the rinse water ran clear. 

I tshirt-dried and applied Aussie 3 Minutes Miracle Deep Conditioner to my hair. It was quite late (I started the whole process around 1 pm in the afternoon) and I was exhausted. Hence, I deep conditioned overnight.

I rinsed the following morning with cold water and tshirt-dried. My hair felt soooo nice, strong yet soft. I kept running my fingers through. I'm in love with henna, really. 

I worked in small sections because I was 14 weeks post and tangles and knots are inevitable. I applied African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Moisture Intense Leave-in Conditioner, sealed with Grapeseed Oil, finger - detangled  and blow-dried with cool air using tension method. After blow-drying, I applied a little Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Creamy Lotion to each section and detangled with my wide-toothed comb. Detangling wasn't as crazy as I thought it would be. Yipee! I oiled my scalp and put my hair into 6 cornrows and under the wig they went.

I had a couple of knots and few tangles but nothing my fingers couldn't tackle. I didn't even need to grab my Mane n Tail Detangler. I'm getting better at this relaxer stretching game. Normally, relaxer touch-up day would be anytime soon but I think I'll keep going as far as my hair can take it. I had this washday last week, so I'm currently 15 weeks post.

Detangled Hair

Still rocking my short wig!

I will definitely use Nupur Henna again. I loved the results. What's your favourite henna brand?


Related Posts:
My First Henna Experience: Will there be a second? 
WashDay - Second Henna Treatment 

Deep Conditioning Hacks: What makes my hair tick

If you follow the #WashDayExperience you would know the theme for this week is "deep conditioning hacks". So in this post, I will be  sharing some of the little tricks that I use to get the best out of my deep conditioning sessions even when I'm time-constrained.

Add humectants: Humectants draw in moisture from the atmosphere around you into your hair. Hence, they help keep your hair moisturised longer. I usually add them only to my protein (light/medium) deep conditioner to help with protein-moisture balance. In fact sometimes my hair is so soft that I don't need to follow up with a moisturising conditioner.

Add natural oils: Adding natural oils to deep conditioners is just the bomb! I almost always add oils to my deep conditioners. Even conditioners that don't seem to do anything to your hair can do a complete 360° turn and become awesome just by adding oils. Oils also increase the slip of your deep conditioner while you get additional benefits from the particular oil(s) added. My favourite oil additions are Jamaican Black Castor oil, Vitamin E oil, Peppermint oil and Tea Tree oil. These oils also help to take care of my scalp; no dandruff,no itching. 

Use heat: Deep conditioners are absorbedfaster and better when you use heat. I have a heat therapy wrap that I just pop into the microwave for about a minute, and the heat lasts for about 30 - 45 minutes. I have a hooded dryer but I hardly ever use it. I just can't bear sitting in a spot for so long plus the heat from the dryer also makes me sweat. I also use a clingfilm to wrap my hair first. It's very secure and I believe it traps heat better. However, don't fret if you don't have any heat/power source for your deep conditioning session, good old body heat will do. It only takes a longer period; about 1 hour . You can make your body heat up faster by using the  opportunity to work out or doing some chores.

Hair Therapy Wrap 

Deep condition dry hair: Oh yes you read right. I do this to save time and it reduces my washday duration by more than half. I basically turn the pre-poo step to the deep conditioning step and after washing I use rinse-out conditioner and that's it . The only reason I started doingthis was to save time but I discovered my hair also loves it. It soaks up all the goodness from the deep conditioner and feels very soft after washing.

Mix it Up!: I love using up deep conditioners that are just "bleh" on my hair by mixing them up with the ones that are awesome. Mixing two or more deep conditioners also helps when your are not so sure if your hair needs protein or moisture. It is a good way to ensure protein-moisture balance. All you do is mix up your protein and moisture deep conditioners. Note that you should not do this with hard protein treatments. 

P.S: my hair also loves it when I deep condition overnight but this should be done with caution to avoid moisture - overload. 

So ladies, do we have any deep conditioning hacks in common? I would love to hear from you, please share your deep conditioning tips.

      

xx,

Bee.

WashDay Post: Theme - Dry Scalp Remedy

I've not been up to to much with my hair. After my last protective style, I've been using a wig. Wigs help me reduce manipulation to my hair and my ends will be well protected. Wigs also give me have great access to my scalp and hair daily. I either put my hair in cornrows or calabar braids (single braids) when using wigs.

Wig, Handmade by me

I kept the cornrows in for 2 weeks. During this period, I co-washed once with VO5 Kiwi Lime Clarifying Conditioner and deep conditioned twice with Megagrowth profectiv daily leave-in strengthener. I noticed rapid moisture loss from my hair despite my moisturising and sealing. This is probably because I don't have a moisturising leave in conditioner currently. I plan to fix this ASAP, by buying a moisturising leave-in, and my favourite lotion moisturiser - Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Creamy Lotion.

Pre-poo: In line with this week's #washdayexperience theme, I added few drops of Estella Pride Peppermint Oil and Tropic Isle JBCO (Rosemary) to my pre-poo mix . Peppermint oil, Rosemary oil and castor oil are known for alleviating dry/itchy scalp among other benefits they possess. The base of my mix was Organics Hair Mayonnaise. I  also added a tablespoon each of Estella Pride Vitamin E. oil and Estella Pride Vegetable Glycerin for added moisture. I pre-pooed for about 20 mins with heat ( I used the electric heating cap I got recently).

Shampoo: I used Creme of Nature Moisture and Shine Sulphate-free Shampoo and lathered twice using warm water. I then wrapped my hair in a cotton tshirt for about two minutes absorb excess water.

                   

                     

Deep conditioner: The deep conditioner for this washday was Aussie 3 Minutes Miracle Deep Conditioner. I applied it generously to my hair, especially my new growth. I covered my hair with cling-film and used the electric heating cap for just 10 minutes. I then rinsed my hair with cold water and t-shirt-dried for about 45 minutes.

Leave-in Conditioner/Styling: I divided my hair into about 6 sections and applied Megagrowth Profectiv Daily Leave-in Strengthener, my oil mix and HairvolutionbyBee Whipped Shea Butter to each section. I detangled and put my hair into 18 single braids. I'm still wigging and I moisturise and seal with Luster's S.curl activator moisturizer once in two days. I also oil my scalp with JBCO + Tea tree oil + peppermint oil + Vitamin E oil using my root applicator bottle twice a week to prevent dryness.

HairvolutionbyBee Whipped Shea Butter 

This Washday was a breeze and I could not believe my luck. Normally, at 11 weeks post relaxer touch-up, my arms would be achy and sore from detangling and unravelling knots. This relaxer stretch is going so well. I pray it continues this way.

Anyway, how was your last washday and how do you prevent dry/itchy scalp? What works for you? Please share by dropping a comment below.

xxx,

Bee