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

Hair Update

Hello ladies!
So long! This is a recap of what I have been doing to my hair for the past few weeks. I rocked the cute knotted updo for 2 weeks and had one washday in between. After two weeks I decided to give versatile crochet braid (that I can style in different ways) try. I did a protein treatment with Organics Hair Mayonnaise and followed with Hot oil treatment  (Grapeseed oil + Olive oil + peppermint oil).

I used a little less than a pack of bonny hair for the crochet braids. I left some hair around my perimeter and for middle and side parts. After installing the hair, I did not like it so much, because it was too prone to tangling and super huge. I blow-dried it to make it more manageable and improve the looks. It looked much better after blow-drying but still I could not let the hair down at all for fear of tangles.

After blow-drying

This defeated the purpose of the installing the hair, I wanted to be able to let it down and have it in a lovely ponytail. I had to resort to only updos for the two weeks I kept it in. Next time I try the versatile crochet braids, I will use X-pression braiding hair instead.

Some updos with the versatile crochet braids

I noticed unusual amount of breakage after taking the crochet braids out. :( I was ill for some days and I totally neglected my hair during this period, so I suspect this as the cause the breakage. I used Aphogee Keratin Two Minutes Reconstructor on my last wash day to keep the breakage in check. I have also decided to give my hair some TLC by going back to my wigging ways. :-).

Love love my curly wig

What have you been up to with your hair? Remember, to get great results, you have to be consistent... 

xx,
Bee.

Style Post: Washday Ft. Easy 5 minutes Knotted Updo

When I saw KLP @ SavingOurStrands' knotted updo a while ago, I made a mental note to try it out someday. The day finally came on my last washday. I was not even sure it would look good enough for me to leave it as my protective style for the week. No harm in trying right.

Of course I had to make my hair clean and conditioned first.

• Deep conditioned on slightly damp hair with ORS Replenishing Conditioner for 20 minutes with heat.
• Shampoo'd with Creme of Nature Moisture and Shine Sulphate-free Shampoo.
• Conditioned for 5 minutes with Alberto VO5 Herbal Escapes Sun Kissed Raspberry with chamomile extract Balancing Conditioner.
• Tshirt-dried for about 30 minutes, sealed with Grapeseed oil, applied Megagrowth Profectiv Daily Leave-in Strengthener, detangled in sections and air-dried.
• I oiled my scalp when my hair was dry and followed the pictorial below

Credit: KLP @ SavingOurStrands

My Result

I love love love this updo, so easy and quick to do but looks intricate and complex. I also love the fact that the ends of the hair are well tucked away. This updo has come to stay in my look book. It's my numero uno lazy protective style for now. 

If you have never tried it you should. Check here for a more detailed tutorial.

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 

Texlax/Relaxer Touch-up Preparation WashDay

I took down my Crochet Havana Twists after keeping it in for 3 weeks. I took the twists out in a way that would make them re-usable. I simply did this by "un-looping" each twist. After removing the all the twists, I unravelled the cornrows but I ensured my fingers and palms were well oiled. This made finger - detangling easy and also reduced breakage as the oil would provide some slip.

Before detangling 

Pre-wash detangling: I divided my hair into about 8 sections and sprayed a generous amount of Mane n Tail Detangler on a section. I then detangled with my finger and followed with a wide-toothed comb. I repeated this for all the sections. I tried to be as thorough as possible in removing shed hair strands. They are usually the cause of post-wash knots and tangles. During washing, they curl around the strands that are still intact and form a knot or tangle.

Pre-poo: I mixed some HairvolutionbyBee Whipped Shea Butter with about 2 tablespoons of honey and coated my hair with the mixture. I wrapped my hair in clingfilm and went to bed.

Pre-poo ready

Washing: I washed the following morning with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo using warm water. I lathered twice, squeezed out excess water and wrapped my hair in a cotton tshirt.

Protein treatment: As usual, to prepare my hair for the impending chemical  treatment ( relaxer ), I used Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment. I made sections, sprayed the protein treatment and twisted each section off. To keep the twisted hair off my back and cloth, I pinned all them up with one large bobby pin. I applied heat with my Babyliss hand dryer till my hair felt hard and crunchy to touch. I DID NOT manipulate my hair in this state. I poured warm water on my hair it felt soft and then I removed the bobby pin. I unravelled the twists and rinsed thoroughly with warm water.

Deep conditioning: To restore the needed moisture after the protein treatment, I mixed Aphogee Balancing Conditioner + Aussie 3 Minutes Miracle Deep Conditioner + 2 tablespoons Grapeseed oil + 1 tablespoon Vegetable Glycerin. I wrapped my hair in clingfilm and left it on while I did my daily workout. I rinsed my hair with cool water  and tshirt-dried for 30 minutes.

Post-wash care : Working in sections as usual, I sprayed Aphogee Pro Vitamin leave-in conditioner and sealed with Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Carrot Growth Serum. I detangled with a wide-toothed comb first and then blow-dried with cool air using the comb attachment. I worked through the stubborn knots and tangles with my finger carefully.

Styling: I applied some Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Creamy Lotion to my hair focusing on the ends, and put my hair into a low bun. The bun kept my hair safely tucked away till texlax/relaxer day.


How do you prepare your hair for relaxer or  chemical applications?

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

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

WashDay - Second Henna Treatment

I did my second henna application over a week ago. As I mentioned here, I plan to do henna treatments once a month.

PREPARATION + APPLICATION
The preparation and application steps were very similar to the steps in my first henna treatment. The major differences are as follows:

• I did not have to mix from my henna paste scratch. I only brought out the paste from my first mix that I had kept frozen, and left it out in the kitchen overnight for it to thaw.
• I did a henna treatment proper this time unlike the conditioning henna treatment I did the first time. So I didn't mix in any conditioner, I only added 2 tablespoons of honey.

I prepooed overnight with Tresemme naturals nourishing moisture conditioner + honey + extra virgin olive oil.
Shampooed with Creme of nature moisture and shine sulphate-free shampoo. I used warm water and I lathered twice.

I squeezed out excess water and wrapped my hair in a cotton tshirt. I then applied the thawed henna paste using the same method I used for my first application.

Thawed Henna Paste

I wrapped my hair in clingfilm and used my Hair Therapy Wrap to apply heat. The heat from the heat therapy wrap lasted about 40 minutes but I left the henna on for a total of 4 hours.




I washed out the henna under a running tap. It washed out so easily but my hair felt quite hard. However, after I used Tresemme naturals nourishing moisture conditioner and rinsed it out, my hair felt softer immediately.

I squeezed out excess water and wrapped my hair in a cotton tshirt. Then I deep conditioned for about 30 minutes with Aussie 3 minutes miracle deep conditioner + Tropic Isle JBCO ( Rosemary ) + Roux porosity control. I rinsed out the deep conditioner with cold water and I detangled in the shower with help of the running water and a wide-toothed comb.

STYLING
I tshirt-dried for about an hour, then I sealed the moisture left in my hair with my oil mix. My hair felt strong and soft at the same time. I really loved the feel. I started parting my hair into sections, applied megagrowth profectiv daily leave-in strengthener, then detangled. Detangling was easy peasy despite the fact that I was 7 weeks post and already had about an inch of new growth.

I applied one/two pumps of beautiful textures curl defining mousse to each detangled section and sealed with my whipped shea butter and twisted. I used the smallest foam rollers in my set of conair foam rollers on the ends of each twist. The twists were 10 in total.

I tied my hair up in my satin scarf and went to bed. The next morning I unravelled each twist after applying a little  whipped shea butter in my palms. I Loveeeeed the results.

Day 1 

Day 3

Day 5

This is the best heat-free curls style/method I've ever tried. They were easy to do, easy to sleep in unlike flexi rod sets (That I also love by the way) and the result? Amazing. I had never tried twistouts before now, even though I have done braidouts several times but I've never been able to get this much curl definition. The curls also lasted longer than the curls I get from braidouts.

 Ladies, what is your favourite heat-free curls style?

Thanks for stopping by. 
Bee