Howdie!
I've been in Nigeria for two weeks now and my hair hasn't been getting much love but insults due to its 'quality decline.' I decided to get a big chop trimming up to 4inches so my hair is 'bob' lenght. Now that most of the bleached out brown strands are gone, I can focus on working with the 'good' hair that is left.
Last week, I did a protein treatment with Aphogee two-step conditioner and spraying CHI keratin mist for extra protein after moisturizing.
I've gotten my shea butter supply so I'll be steaming with shea butter this weekend.
:)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Quiz: How Healthy Is Your Hair?
My Result:
Moderately Damaged
Without extreme vigilance, it's hard to completely avoid damage, so don't fret. Follow these simple steps to easily rehabilitate your hair.
Step 1: Trim hair every six to eight weeks to remove split ends, and only shampoo when necessary. (Unless hair is extremely oily, you don't need to shampoo daily.) Nelson Chan, owner of Nelson J salon in Beverly Hills, Calif., recommends regularly using a leave-in conditioner: "For fine hair, choose a spray leave-in that's lightweight and contains protein. Thick hair needs one that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter or plant oils, usually in a light cream form."
Step 2: When exposed to sun or heat-styling tools, avoid further damage or dryness by using a heat-protectant spray or cream, advises Kaz Amor, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. Amor also suggests using styling tools that have heat control dials so that you can regulate the level of heat applied to your hair. "Curly, coarse hair can handle higher temperatures because it has more layers of cuticle," says Amor.
Step 3: Pamper hair by deep conditioning monthly and opting for a paddle brush instead of a hard bristle brush. Oh, and avoid rubbing hair dry with a towel, advises Chan. Pat hair dry instead.
I created my regimen before this quiz and thank goodness, I am on track. I wash my hair once a week (on the weekends) and co-wash midweek. I incorporated a leave-in conditioner, heat protectants, and natural oils into my regimen so my 'moderately damaged' hair is moving in the right direction...
My Result:
Moderately Damaged
Without extreme vigilance, it's hard to completely avoid damage, so don't fret. Follow these simple steps to easily rehabilitate your hair.
Step 1: Trim hair every six to eight weeks to remove split ends, and only shampoo when necessary. (Unless hair is extremely oily, you don't need to shampoo daily.) Nelson Chan, owner of Nelson J salon in Beverly Hills, Calif., recommends regularly using a leave-in conditioner: "For fine hair, choose a spray leave-in that's lightweight and contains protein. Thick hair needs one that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter or plant oils, usually in a light cream form."
Step 2: When exposed to sun or heat-styling tools, avoid further damage or dryness by using a heat-protectant spray or cream, advises Kaz Amor, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. Amor also suggests using styling tools that have heat control dials so that you can regulate the level of heat applied to your hair. "Curly, coarse hair can handle higher temperatures because it has more layers of cuticle," says Amor.
Step 3: Pamper hair by deep conditioning monthly and opting for a paddle brush instead of a hard bristle brush. Oh, and avoid rubbing hair dry with a towel, advises Chan. Pat hair dry instead.
I created my regimen before this quiz and thank goodness, I am on track. I wash my hair once a week (on the weekends) and co-wash midweek. I incorporated a leave-in conditioner, heat protectants, and natural oils into my regimen so my 'moderately damaged' hair is moving in the right direction...
Monday, August 2, 2010
Product lingo
I found this online yesterday and though to share. Its quite useful.
■Acidifier - A pH balance of 2.5 to 3.5 is what qualifies a hair conditioner as an acidifier. This acid will flatten the cuticle layer of the hair, resulting in beautiful shiny, bouncy hair. This conditioner is great for people with fine textured hair.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#acid8
■Detangler - This is an acidifier conditioner. The acid flattened the cuticle of the hair shaft. Some detanglers work instantly, others take several minutes before they complete the transformation that allow hair to untangle during combing.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#detangle9
■Glosser - When you use a glosser, it is mainly just to make the hair shinier. Most of them very light-weight oils, made from silicone. Glossers also help to control the "frizzies."
■Moisturizer -A moisturizing shampoo is filled with humectant compounds that attract and trap moisture.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#moist10
■E.F.A. - Permanent relaxers, hair coloring, and other chemicals can cause hair to be dry and brittle. An E.F.A conditioner is made to mimic sebum, an oil produced naturally by the scalp.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#efa11
■Re-constructor - Hydrolyzed human hair protein has 19 amino acids. The protein is lightweight and it penetrates the cortex and strengthens the hair.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#recon12
■Thermal Protection - If your hair suffers from heat damage, a thermal conditioner will offer a layer of protection. Blow drying, a hot curling iron and time in the sun can cause damage to your hair. Protect your hair with thermal hair conditioners.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#thermal13
http://www.mahalo.com/hair-conditioner
■Acidifier - A pH balance of 2.5 to 3.5 is what qualifies a hair conditioner as an acidifier. This acid will flatten the cuticle layer of the hair, resulting in beautiful shiny, bouncy hair. This conditioner is great for people with fine textured hair.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#acid8
■Detangler - This is an acidifier conditioner. The acid flattened the cuticle of the hair shaft. Some detanglers work instantly, others take several minutes before they complete the transformation that allow hair to untangle during combing.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#detangle9
■Glosser - When you use a glosser, it is mainly just to make the hair shinier. Most of them very light-weight oils, made from silicone. Glossers also help to control the "frizzies."
■Moisturizer -A moisturizing shampoo is filled with humectant compounds that attract and trap moisture.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#moist10
■E.F.A. - Permanent relaxers, hair coloring, and other chemicals can cause hair to be dry and brittle. An E.F.A conditioner is made to mimic sebum, an oil produced naturally by the scalp.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#efa11
■Re-constructor - Hydrolyzed human hair protein has 19 amino acids. The protein is lightweight and it penetrates the cortex and strengthens the hair.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#recon12
■Thermal Protection - If your hair suffers from heat damage, a thermal conditioner will offer a layer of protection. Blow drying, a hot curling iron and time in the sun can cause damage to your hair. Protect your hair with thermal hair conditioners.http://www.salonweb.com/pro/conditioner.htm#thermal13
http://www.mahalo.com/hair-conditioner
Thursday, July 29, 2010
My hair is semi-porous
Today, I found that my hair is 'semi' porous. Porous hair is not GOOD HAIR because it does not absorb any of the food you feed your hair. Its like pouring products which money in the sink (conditioners, oils, leave-ins and moisturizers). Kai!!!!!
To test porosity: put a strand or few of your hair in a bowl of water. If it floats, then your hair is fine. If it sinks then you're in porous-ville.
Mine sunk midway. In fact, I did the test multiple times. My hair is indeed not close to being perfect. Tscheww!
I'm off to Sally's to buy Roux Porosity Shampoo, will alternate using it with my Organix Coconut shampoo. Rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water) also helps with porosity.
More porous news: http://www.hairliciousinc.com/2008/03/porous-hair-anyone.html
Ladi
To test porosity: put a strand or few of your hair in a bowl of water. If it floats, then your hair is fine. If it sinks then you're in porous-ville.
Mine sunk midway. In fact, I did the test multiple times. My hair is indeed not close to being perfect. Tscheww!
I'm off to Sally's to buy Roux Porosity Shampoo, will alternate using it with my Organix Coconut shampoo. Rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water) also helps with porosity.
More porous news: http://www.hairliciousinc.com/2008/03/porous-hair-anyone.html
Ladi
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My New Product list
This weekend, I went to Target and decided it would be best for my hair to stick to one or two or three product lines as opposed to the six-seven I had for one regimen.
For the next few months, I will be using Organix shampoo, it is coconut, has protein, and no sulphate. I got the silk infusion leave-in product (CHI is too expensive) and I decided to just get the conditioner as well. I'll start this line once I get to Nigeria in a few weeks. My sister uses Organix so I'm familiar with the brand. It boasts repair for chemically treated hair (us relaxed guys) and I've been looking to incorporating a mild protein product into my regimen.
I also bought Neutrogena's Triple Mpisture Leave-in conditioner like I said I would. I will get the deep conditioner too.
I also bought Neutrogena's Triple Mpisture Leave-in conditioner like I said I would. I will get the deep conditioner too.
I will use this with my Strength of Nature moisturizer/ Herbal Essences Split end repair/ Wave Nouveau and castor oil on scalp. So my product junkiness is reducing. I have to be faithful to just a few product lines.
Until then, I'm trying to use up by bottles of shampoo and conditioner and transfer my oils into smaller bottles for easy transportation across the Atlantic.
I'm moving to 9ja in a few weeks!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Best Drugstore Conditioners
Since many of us are on a budget. Here's a list of the best drustore conditioners (aka Walmart, Walgreens, CVS conditioners):
http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/p-best-drugstore-conditioners/
I'll definitely or most like try the following:
http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/p-best-drugstore-conditioners/
I'll definitely or most like try the following:
No. 4: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner, $4.99
I love love Neutrogena Triple Moisture's other Deep Conditioner.
No. 6: Pantene Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner, $5.99
I used to use this though it was when I was in Nigeria and since I quit the shampoo (for containing sulphate), I quit the twin too for no reason but maybe I can repent and go back.
I almost bought this but in my upgraded mind, I could not touch Suave products for being cheap. But this is good so will probably try it mixed with some natural oils and honey to make a deep conditioner or a pre-poo concoction.
TGIF, I'm going shopping tomorrow to stock up on new hair products.
TGIF, I'm going shopping tomorrow to stock up on new hair products.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Weekend hair regimen
This is my typical Saturday night/ Sunday morning regimen. You'd find a similar regimen on every other hair blog but this I modified to fit my laziness level.
1. pre-poo with coconut oil and cover with plastic or heating cap and then towel (will steam in the future) and run errands: vacuuming/ sweeping, laundry and cooking or just go to sleep, the longer the better. Coconut oil, like olive and avocado get easily absorbed into hair shaft more than other natural oils. Sometimes I do a hot oil treatment inplace of pre-poos.
2. shampoo wash (I co-wash midweek to add moisture),
3. deep condition under heating cap for an hour and workout or watch tv to kill time (I don't have a hood dryer or steamer here...they're too bulky, but I will deep condition in a salon when I get to Nigeria),
4. apply leave-in conditioner and detangle with wide tooth comb.
5. air dry (usually overnight if staying in or blow dry and style), flat iron if necessary (with heat protectant).
6. moisturize hair strands (and do so every day or two), focusing on the dryer and older ends
7. lightly apply castor oil on scalp, and seal ends with little coconut oil.
8. Pony tail or bun (not with a rubber band which can cause breakage and reduce length)
9. wrap under a satin or silk scarf or bonnet or use a silk pillow to sleep. The friction with cotton drys out hair and causes breakage by absorbing moisture from the hair. I used to wake up with my hair all over my pillow instead of my head.
This is very different from my old regimen which consisted of washing with sulphate-filled shampoo, maybe cheap conditioning for 5mins, blow drying without heat protectant, and applying hair grease or pink oil (mineral oils and petrolatum are evil, take note!). BAD BAD BAD!!!!
This what what most naija hairdressers do esp in N200 salons (yea, now you know who messed up your hair), so educate yourself. Cheap comes with an expensive price tag.
I relaxed my hair last weekend so this weekend, I conditioned with Aphogee two-step which is protein packed and helps to strenghten the hair after weakening by the creamy crack.
I air dried on while watching tv, and styled on Monday morning with no heat (reducing my flat ironing to twice a month instead of every week).
On tuesday night, my scalp was so dry and dandruffy so I washed my haired with shampoo again and deep conditioned with ORS Hair Mayo mixed with castor and coconut oil, left under a heating cap ($3 foil looking shower cap at Sallys, nothing fancy) and covered with my towel. I rinsed two hours later and did the usual. Its now in a bun.
Payday is here so will shop over the weekend for a few more hair products to experiment with.
1. pre-poo with coconut oil and cover with plastic or heating cap and then towel (will steam in the future) and run errands: vacuuming/ sweeping, laundry and cooking or just go to sleep, the longer the better. Coconut oil, like olive and avocado get easily absorbed into hair shaft more than other natural oils. Sometimes I do a hot oil treatment inplace of pre-poos.
2. shampoo wash (I co-wash midweek to add moisture),
3. deep condition under heating cap for an hour and workout or watch tv to kill time (I don't have a hood dryer or steamer here...they're too bulky, but I will deep condition in a salon when I get to Nigeria),
4. apply leave-in conditioner and detangle with wide tooth comb.
5. air dry (usually overnight if staying in or blow dry and style), flat iron if necessary (with heat protectant).
6. moisturize hair strands (and do so every day or two), focusing on the dryer and older ends
7. lightly apply castor oil on scalp, and seal ends with little coconut oil.
8. Pony tail or bun (not with a rubber band which can cause breakage and reduce length)
9. wrap under a satin or silk scarf or bonnet or use a silk pillow to sleep. The friction with cotton drys out hair and causes breakage by absorbing moisture from the hair. I used to wake up with my hair all over my pillow instead of my head.
This is very different from my old regimen which consisted of washing with sulphate-filled shampoo, maybe cheap conditioning for 5mins, blow drying without heat protectant, and applying hair grease or pink oil (mineral oils and petrolatum are evil, take note!). BAD BAD BAD!!!!
This what what most naija hairdressers do esp in N200 salons (yea, now you know who messed up your hair), so educate yourself. Cheap comes with an expensive price tag.
I relaxed my hair last weekend so this weekend, I conditioned with Aphogee two-step which is protein packed and helps to strenghten the hair after weakening by the creamy crack.
I air dried on while watching tv, and styled on Monday morning with no heat (reducing my flat ironing to twice a month instead of every week).
On tuesday night, my scalp was so dry and dandruffy so I washed my haired with shampoo again and deep conditioned with ORS Hair Mayo mixed with castor and coconut oil, left under a heating cap ($3 foil looking shower cap at Sallys, nothing fancy) and covered with my towel. I rinsed two hours later and did the usual. Its now in a bun.
Payday is here so will shop over the weekend for a few more hair products to experiment with.
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