The Struggle Part II: Trail & Error

This year has been full of trail & errors while trying different techniques/methods as well as products. My goal has always been healthy hair because I believe with health comes length thus length retention. 

Here are some things I've tried in 2013:

LCO Method vs. LOC Method - I have always used the LCO Method but decided to try the LOC Method for a couple of months.  The LOC Method is okay but LCO works best for us and quite frankly makes more sense to me. Her hair definitely stays more moisturized using this method.

Exclusively Finger Detangling - I know finger detangling is a healthy practice but this method ALONE is just not enough for my daughters' Type 4 hair.  I found that I actually had more knots and tangles b/c her hair wasn't being thoroughly detangled.  Finger detangling is incorporated into her regimen just not exclusively.

Hair Tools - Simply Put.  Away with seamed combs, I am loving the seamless combs by Hercules Sagemann (using since April 2013) which prove to be way more beneficial to the hair in preventing breakage and snagging.  (More to come on a later post)

Re-Visiting Sulfates - Bad Idea!!  Was the hair clean? Absolutely, but after consistent use, her hair became even more tangled and drier!!!  Not good for Type 4 hair...so I'm ditching the sulfates FOREVER!

Products/Ingredients - It is really important to find which ingredients your hair likes and dislikes.  While trying the many many products I mentioned HERE, I've learned what BG "S" hair dislikes which helps when making new purchases.  Being aware of allergens your child have is also important.  Still narrowing down my HG's but we're getting there and I'm in a good place...

Staying Away From Protein Completely - Since learning my daughter's hair is sensitive to certain proteins I made the mistake of eliminating it completely from her regimen with the exception of the natural light protein like the Greek Yogurt DC (which I LOVE BTW).  But I learned I just had to find the RIGHT Protein.  I gave her a protein treatment using the Curl Junkie Repair Me! and OMG, although it made her hair feel stronger it also brought her hair back to life and it was soft!  So I had to remind myself that our hair is made of protein, so I will be more consistent with monthly protein treatments to keep that necessary moisture/protein balance.

Deep Conditioning (Before or After Shampooing) - For those who have been following for a while, you know my preference have always been to DC before shampooing which has worked fine.  But I decided to switch it up a bit and try DC after shampooing.  Well...needless to say the biggest difference for me was the extra conditioning/protection her hair got before shampooing which allowed her hair to stay more moisturized during shampooing and detangling which I like to do before washing. But I would detangle during DC'ing after shampooing which seemed more difficult (this is because I completely omitted detangling as my very first step).  So I'm still trying to determine which method is best for us after using all steps.

Trimming/Dusting - I am very comfortable with the scissors, lol.  I have trimmed and dusted BG "S" hair on several occasions with no regrets.  This really helps with the health of her hair and keeping SSK to a minimum.  I'll continue dusting/trimming when necessary as this aids in the growth retention process but I definitely want to cut back a bit.

Remember to stay positive and keep pressing forward, this journey is really all about learning what works for you and your hair...

What have you tried in 2013? And what if anything will you do differently in 2014 with your hair?

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Since I'm working on incorporating a new regimen for BG "S" with the Terressentials Mud Wash, I decided to deep condition this week.  This is our first deep condition since using Terressentials.  I think I may deep condition and cleanse the hair twice a month alternating the weeks.
Example:
Week 1 - Cleanse
Week 2 - Deep Condition
Week 3 - Cleanse
Week 4 - Deep Condition
This week, I decided to go with the Greek Yogurt and Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Treatment which I first used HERE.  It's a great protein/moisturizing deep conditioner.  My only complaint is that is can be very messy and smelly.  You can find how I deep condition HERE.

I used the same ingredients with the exception of the shea butter.  This time I used 100% unrefined USDA Organic Shea Butter which I ordered online (I've heard that shea butter was sticky/waxy like but this was my first time actually encountering that).  I always tried to aim for the unrefined shea butter but sometimes its not marked as refined or unrefined on the containers in the beauty supply store so I guess you don't really know what you're getting at times.  Anywho, this mix was thicker and took a little longer to rinse but I must say her hair was super moisturized, I was in awe!!  For my next deep treatment, I think I will try a recipe with shea butter as the main ingredient.  Here are a few pics...

Greek Yogurt and Shea Butter Deep Treatment
Can you see how moisturized her hair is, I wish you could feel the softness...

After rinsing, I simply sealed and threaded for drying.
 Look at that shrinkage!!!

What homemade deep treatments do you use?

The Science of Black Hair: Protein/Moisture Balance Basics

In my previous post, I spoke about proteins and briefly mentioned the importance of keeping a good protein/moisture balance. Well, good news...just in case you're a visual person like me :), here is a great video demonstration on Protein/Moisture Balance.  This video is by the author of The Science of Black Hair Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.  This is a great video which is very informative. Happy Watching...

Protein/Moisture Balance

Ponytails and Two-Strand Twists with a Heart (I guess...)

My very first hairstyle with a heart :)

This style was done on BG "M" about a month ago (I know, I know...don't judge me).  The summer break was coming to an end and her hair was doing some serious shedding (this could have been from all the swimming).  So I wanted to give her a quick and simple style along with a good protein deep conditioning treatment.  I used the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak (Deep Penetrating Conditioner) and must say I was definitely pleased.  I left this deep conditioner in her hair about 45 minutes and it took very well to her hair. The hair was soft, moisturized, manageable and in better condition overall. The shedding was also reduced drastically.

The Curl Whisperer on Protein: Friend or Foe?

I found this article very interesting and true.  It took me a while to figure out why certain products would make Baby Girl S's hair either dry, hard or tangled.  After investigating, by testing various products with and without protein (protein comes in various forms of course) I learned that Baby Girl S's hair is sensitive to protein. I try to stay away from products with protein as much as possible for Baby Girl S.  However, Baby Girl M's hair loves protein as they have two different hair types.  One of my favorite brands (Shea Moisture) has protein in some of the products I use and unfortunately I had to stop using them on Baby Girl S's hair but continue to use on Baby Girl M with no problems.

So I would love suggestions on good styling hair milks without protein...

*Update: Just ordered Darcy's Botanicals NEW Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream (Product Review to Come)  This product did not do much for BG "S" hair but works well in BG "M" hair, then again anything does.  Still in search of a good hair milk for BG "S".  I will be trying the Oyin Hair Dew soon.

Enjoy the article.

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: The Curl Whisperer on Protein: Friend or Foe?: by Tiffany of Live Curly, Live Free It is a never-ending question on boards and web sites everywhere: does my hair need protein or not? ...