shampoo
Ask and you shall receive, some of you have asked recently how and what I use to wash my hair. In my last shampoo routine post back in 2014, I was always banding my in small sub-sections and using a different cleansing shampoo. Now I use a a new thickening shampoo and banding is only done occasionally.
To Start
These days I will just jump in the shower and start washing with lukewarm water (hot water strips my black natural hair dye faster) without banding or braiding into smaller sections. Problem with the loose hair method is that I don't always do a great job rinsing out all of the shampoo and on more than one occasion recently I had to jump back into the shower to to do so.
For this reason I dod occasionally band/braid, but only in four large sections.
What I Use
Cleanse: I am in love with Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo with Biotin B-Complex Therapy. It is a truly effective plant-based formula and it is deep cleansing. When used correctly, it cuts through all the dirt and oil building on my scalp. It also prevents new loc build-up. I'm almost done with this super sized bottle and I intend to buy more.
Condition: Because most really great natural conditioners are too thick for my build-up prone locs, I still use Shea Moisture's Moisture Retention Shampoo. This shampoo is so rich and so conditioning without causing build-up. It also leaves my hair smelling amazing for many days. My husband buries his hair in my hair and comments every time on how lovely I smell after.
I will occasionally massage a light almond oil on my scalp and ends.
For the most part, I just air dry or lay a towel over my pillow and go to bed (don't do this too often or you risk a fungus). You could also braid or roller set for a great hair style.
Because California is so dry, I do spray my locs with a light rose water throughout the week.
Updated Shampoo Routine
Updated Shampoo Routine
Ask and you shall receive, some of you have asked recently how and what I use to wash my hair. In my last shampoo routine post back in 2014, I was always banding my in small sub-sections and using a different cleansing shampoo. Now I use a a new thickening shampoo and banding is only done occasionally.
To Start
These days I will just jump in the shower and start washing with lukewarm water (hot water strips my black natural hair dye faster) without banding or braiding into smaller sections. Problem with the loose hair method is that I don't always do a great job rinsing out all of the shampoo and on more than one occasion recently I had to jump back into the shower to to do so.
For this reason I dod occasionally band/braid, but only in four large sections.
What I Use
Cleanse: I am in love with Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo with Biotin B-Complex Therapy. It is a truly effective plant-based formula and it is deep cleansing. When used correctly, it cuts through all the dirt and oil building on my scalp. It also prevents new loc build-up. I'm almost done with this super sized bottle and I intend to buy more.
Condition: Because most really great natural conditioners are too thick for my build-up prone locs, I still use Shea Moisture's Moisture Retention Shampoo. This shampoo is so rich and so conditioning without causing build-up. It also leaves my hair smelling amazing for many days. My husband buries his hair in my hair and comments every time on how lovely I smell after.
I will occasionally massage a light almond oil on my scalp and ends.
For the most part, I just air dry or lay a towel over my pillow and go to bed (don't do this too often or you risk a fungus). You could also braid or roller set for a great hair style.
Because California is so dry, I do spray my locs with a light rose water throughout the week.
A week ago, Head & Shoulders sent me a few products for a line tailored to and for women with textured hair. Head & Shoulders is all about living life head first — this means shampoos and conditioners that work in perfect harmony to care for your tresses from scalp to tip!
Head & Shoulders' brand continues to develop products that provide superior scalp care without sacrificing the beauty benefits of leading cosmetic shampoos. In fact, the Moisture Care Collection:
- Provides moisture for scalp and hair immediately and over time, helping to eliminate dandruff and leaving you 100% flake-free
- Is specifically designed for textured hair
- Includes a shampoo, 2-in-1, co-wash and scalp soother
- Main ingredients include vitamin E rich almond oil, coconut essence and dandruff-fighting ingredient zinc pyrithione (ZPT)
Product Review: Head & Shoulders Moisture Care Collection
Product Review: Head & Shoulders Moisture Care Collection
A week ago, Head & Shoulders sent me a few products for a line tailored to and for women with textured hair. Head & Shoulders is all about living life head first — this means shampoos and conditioners that work in perfect harmony to care for your tresses from scalp to tip!
Head & Shoulders' brand continues to develop products that provide superior scalp care without sacrificing the beauty benefits of leading cosmetic shampoos. In fact, the Moisture Care Collection:
- Provides moisture for scalp and hair immediately and over time, helping to eliminate dandruff and leaving you 100% flake-free
- Is specifically designed for textured hair
- Includes a shampoo, 2-in-1, co-wash and scalp soother
- Main ingredients include vitamin E rich almond oil, coconut essence and dandruff-fighting ingredient zinc pyrithione (ZPT)
A video about some of the most unglamorous parts of loc maintenance:
Hair Video: Removing Lint from Locs, Prepping Sisterlocks for Washing, and Prepping your Interlocks for Bed
Hair Video: Removing Lint from Locs, Prepping Sisterlocks for Washing, and Prepping your Interlocks for Bed
A video about some of the most unglamorous parts of loc maintenance:
Efficiently and thoroughly cleansing your locs is an integral part of maintaining and retaining hair health.
Here is my tried and true method for shampooing my hair.
Step 1: Band locs into smaller sections. Though often recommended only for younger locs that have not settled, I've continued this because as my hair gets longer and more cumbersome to wash, this is how I insure I don't miss a section of scalp or length.
Step 2: Cleanse with Trader Joe's Tea Tree Shampoo. It really removes build-up well and has a pleasant peppermint smell.
Step 3: Follow up with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter (honeysuckle scented) conditioning shampoo. This may seem odd to double shampoo but, the aforementioned shampoo is so rich and my build-up so stubborn that it conditions my hair sufficiently without contributing to my build-up problem. I also hesitate to condition my sisterlocks, cleansing properly yields better sheen and results than risking conditioner buildup.
Though not the best for locs, the Shea Moisture shampoo is amazing on the fro, my daughter and sister love it! It also smells like heaven (like Jesus himself came down and touched it), and the smell lasts for days.
Step 4: Inspect. I always look closely at my scalp for that gray build-up sludge as an indicator of whether or not I cleansed thoroughly enough.
Step 5: Squeeze the excess water out in the shower, towel dry and leave it banded to air dry overnight (I tend to wash my hair near the end of the day). Leaving it banded to dry really yields a great next day look.
Here is my tried and true method for shampooing my hair.
Step 1: Band locs into smaller sections. Though often recommended only for younger locs that have not settled, I've continued this because as my hair gets longer and more cumbersome to wash, this is how I insure I don't miss a section of scalp or length.
Step 2: Cleanse with Trader Joe's Tea Tree Shampoo. It really removes build-up well and has a pleasant peppermint smell.
Step 3: Follow up with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter (honeysuckle scented) conditioning shampoo. This may seem odd to double shampoo but, the aforementioned shampoo is so rich and my build-up so stubborn that it conditions my hair sufficiently without contributing to my build-up problem. I also hesitate to condition my sisterlocks, cleansing properly yields better sheen and results than risking conditioner buildup.
Though not the best for locs, the Shea Moisture shampoo is amazing on the fro, my daughter and sister love it! It also smells like heaven (like Jesus himself came down and touched it), and the smell lasts for days.
Step 4: Inspect. I always look closely at my scalp for that gray build-up sludge as an indicator of whether or not I cleansed thoroughly enough.
Step 5: Squeeze the excess water out in the shower, towel dry and leave it banded to air dry overnight (I tend to wash my hair near the end of the day). Leaving it banded to dry really yields a great next day look.
Final Step: Remove band and go (additional styling is optional).
Here is a video showing some of my shampoo prep.
Shampoo Routine
Shampoo Routine
Efficiently and thoroughly cleansing your locs is an integral part of maintaining and retaining hair health.
Here is my tried and true method for shampooing my hair.
Step 1: Band locs into smaller sections. Though often recommended only for younger locs that have not settled, I've continued this because as my hair gets longer and more cumbersome to wash, this is how I insure I don't miss a section of scalp or length.
Step 2: Cleanse with Trader Joe's Tea Tree Shampoo. It really removes build-up well and has a pleasant peppermint smell.
Step 3: Follow up with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter (honeysuckle scented) conditioning shampoo. This may seem odd to double shampoo but, the aforementioned shampoo is so rich and my build-up so stubborn that it conditions my hair sufficiently without contributing to my build-up problem. I also hesitate to condition my sisterlocks, cleansing properly yields better sheen and results than risking conditioner buildup.
Though not the best for locs, the Shea Moisture shampoo is amazing on the fro, my daughter and sister love it! It also smells like heaven (like Jesus himself came down and touched it), and the smell lasts for days.
Step 4: Inspect. I always look closely at my scalp for that gray build-up sludge as an indicator of whether or not I cleansed thoroughly enough.
Step 5: Squeeze the excess water out in the shower, towel dry and leave it banded to air dry overnight (I tend to wash my hair near the end of the day). Leaving it banded to dry really yields a great next day look.
Here is my tried and true method for shampooing my hair.
Step 1: Band locs into smaller sections. Though often recommended only for younger locs that have not settled, I've continued this because as my hair gets longer and more cumbersome to wash, this is how I insure I don't miss a section of scalp or length.
Step 2: Cleanse with Trader Joe's Tea Tree Shampoo. It really removes build-up well and has a pleasant peppermint smell.
Step 3: Follow up with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter (honeysuckle scented) conditioning shampoo. This may seem odd to double shampoo but, the aforementioned shampoo is so rich and my build-up so stubborn that it conditions my hair sufficiently without contributing to my build-up problem. I also hesitate to condition my sisterlocks, cleansing properly yields better sheen and results than risking conditioner buildup.
Though not the best for locs, the Shea Moisture shampoo is amazing on the fro, my daughter and sister love it! It also smells like heaven (like Jesus himself came down and touched it), and the smell lasts for days.
Step 4: Inspect. I always look closely at my scalp for that gray build-up sludge as an indicator of whether or not I cleansed thoroughly enough.
Step 5: Squeeze the excess water out in the shower, towel dry and leave it banded to air dry overnight (I tend to wash my hair near the end of the day). Leaving it banded to dry really yields a great next day look.
Final Step: Remove band and go (additional styling is optional).
Here is a video showing some of my shampoo prep.
Did you know the main ingredient in most hair cleansers is salt, yes salt. We need salt to live and the right salt works wonders for our body inside and out:The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it.
Mixing Epsom salt with your favorite shampoo and even conditioner can help removed excess oil and product build up. The salt helps to detox hair, add shine as well as volume and not strip all of your own good natural oils. Mix salt with your favorite light shampoo or conditioner and work through section by section.
Usually you just mix 3 parts salt with 2 parts shampoo or conditioner. But since my sisterlocks and scalp are a mess I mixed a bit of coconut oil, aloe vera juice, natural shampoo and Epsom salt.
Read More
All Natural Skin and Hair Cleanse
All Natural Skin and Hair Cleanse
Did you know the main ingredient in most hair cleansers is salt, yes salt. We need salt to live and the right salt works wonders for our body inside and out:The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it.
Mixing Epsom salt with your favorite shampoo and even conditioner can help removed excess oil and product build up. The salt helps to detox hair, add shine as well as volume and not strip all of your own good natural oils. Mix salt with your favorite light shampoo or conditioner and work through section by section.
Usually you just mix 3 parts salt with 2 parts shampoo or conditioner. But since my sisterlocks and scalp are a mess I mixed a bit of coconut oil, aloe vera juice, natural shampoo and Epsom salt.
Read More
For those of you who don't know, I have two small children in diapers. Shortly after giving birth to my daughter, I had my sisterlocks installed. I don't know how I would have balanced parenting, marriage, working and staying gorgeous without my locs. Even in their infancy, my sisterlocks were cute and complimenting. I felt more trendy and was able to still maintain my individuality while working in a conservative industry and being a mother. I truly appreciate my natural hair.
I recently posted about my tweaked moisture regime, which CARA B Naturally Shampoo/Body Wash is now a part of. But I also LOVE how it smells and how soft it leaves my children's skin and hair. Living in Florida is a battle because of hard water that can reek havoc on your complexion and moisture retention. For me it is all about using the right products for balance.Read More
Winner: Stephanie D! Hair Anniversary Giveaway #2: CARA B Naturally
Winner: Stephanie D! Hair Anniversary Giveaway #2: CARA B Naturally
For those of you who don't know, I have two small children in diapers. Shortly after giving birth to my daughter, I had my sisterlocks installed. I don't know how I would have balanced parenting, marriage, working and staying gorgeous without my locs. Even in their infancy, my sisterlocks were cute and complimenting. I felt more trendy and was able to still maintain my individuality while working in a conservative industry and being a mother. I truly appreciate my natural hair. I recently posted about my tweaked moisture regime, which CARA B Naturally Shampoo/Body Wash is now a part of. But I also LOVE how it smells and how soft it leaves my children's skin and hair. Living in Florida is a battle because of hard water that can reek havoc on your complexion and moisture retention. For me it is all about using the right products for balance.Read More
Yesterday I attempted my first wash and go in a long time. The reason why the wash and go was needed, buildup, caused a big issue. Washing took more time than I had that morning and I kept having to wash certain trouble spots with shampoo and water after leaving the shower. I could see I dislodged grey goop of buildup from my scalp to the body of my locks. It hit me that I had not had a quick clarifying cleanser on hand in a while. Baking soda is awesome but that takes time and I could not afford to smell like vinegar at work until my hair dried.
But I made it work and left the trouble spots that I did not have time to really cleanse icky and for later. I made sure to really massage the dirt out of the visible areas.
But I made it work and left the trouble spots that I did not have time to really cleanse icky and for later. I made sure to really massage the dirt out of the visible areas.
Wash And Go
Wash And Go
Yesterday I attempted my first wash and go in a long time. The reason why the wash and go was needed, buildup, caused a big issue. Washing took more time than I had that morning and I kept having to wash certain trouble spots with shampoo and water after leaving the shower. I could see I dislodged grey goop of buildup from my scalp to the body of my locks. It hit me that I had not had a quick clarifying cleanser on hand in a while. Baking soda is awesome but that takes time and I could not afford to smell like vinegar at work until my hair dried.
But I made it work and left the trouble spots that I did not have time to really cleanse icky and for later. I made sure to really massage the dirt out of the visible areas.
But I made it work and left the trouble spots that I did not have time to really cleanse icky and for later. I made sure to really massage the dirt out of the visible areas.
 |
| Photo Courtesy of LocRocker.com |
My BFF over at LocRocker.com turned me on to a new Shampoo, Uncle Funky's Daughter Rich and Funky Moisturizing Cleanser. Cleansing can be a pain with natural hair... you want your kinky curly coils to be clean and light but you don't want them stripped dry. With loose hair, finding this balance is usually part of a long and laborious regime of careful section by section cleansing, de-tangling and re-moisturizing. The wrong kind of moisturizer can reek havoc on locs. I have washed my hair twice with Uncle Funky's Daughter Rich and Funky Moisturizing Cleanser, once was after a sweat inducing workout that left my scalp screaming for a wash. I must say that I am a fan. My hair felt and looked clean and had a bit of shine to it. Moisturizing and cleansing often don't mix well in a shampoo, but Uncle Funky's Daughter got it right for my hair.
Available online for $15.50 per 8 oz bottle, my sister and I have both used it to wash our hair and have yet to put a dent in the shampoo.
Disclaimer: I received the shampoo for free from my BFF and my opinions are entirely my own.
Review: Uncle Funky's Daughter Rich & Funky Moisturizing Cleanser
Review: Uncle Funky's Daughter Rich & Funky Moisturizing Cleanser
|
| Photo Courtesy of LocRocker.com |
My BFF over at LocRocker.com turned me on to a new Shampoo, Uncle Funky's Daughter Rich and Funky Moisturizing Cleanser. Cleansing can be a pain with natural hair... you want your kinky curly coils to be clean and light but you don't want them stripped dry. With loose hair, finding this balance is usually part of a long and laborious regime of careful section by section cleansing, de-tangling and re-moisturizing. The wrong kind of moisturizer can reek havoc on locs. I have washed my hair twice with Uncle Funky's Daughter Rich and Funky Moisturizing Cleanser, once was after a sweat inducing workout that left my scalp screaming for a wash. I must say that I am a fan. My hair felt and looked clean and had a bit of shine to it. Moisturizing and cleansing often don't mix well in a shampoo, but Uncle Funky's Daughter got it right for my hair.
Available online for $15.50 per 8 oz bottle, my sister and I have both used it to wash our hair and have yet to put a dent in the shampoo.
Disclaimer: I received the shampoo for free from my BFF and my opinions are entirely my own.
I recently gave my sisterlocks a nice wash with Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea: Chamomile & Argan Oil. It is part of their Baby care collection and is a Head-To-Toe wash and shampoo. It's a moisturizing, softening and rejuvenating product. I can't add creamy conditioners to my natural locks so I have to find cleansers that don't leave my hair, scalp and skin thirsty for moisture and natural sheen.
My WHOLE family uses this product. I add this to my 15-month old's bath water, my husband uses it as a cleanser for his hair, and I add it to my wash cloth during my shower as a light moisturizing wash.
I've been testing out different natural cleansers for my and my daughter's hair/body and this one is definitely a keeper.
Shampooing Natural Hair
Shampooing Natural Hair
I recently gave my sisterlocks a nice wash with Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea: Chamomile & Argan Oil. It is part of their Baby care collection and is a Head-To-Toe wash and shampoo. It's a moisturizing, softening and rejuvenating product. I can't add creamy conditioners to my natural locks so I have to find cleansers that don't leave my hair, scalp and skin thirsty for moisture and natural sheen.
My WHOLE family uses this product. I add this to my 15-month old's bath water, my husband uses it as a cleanser for his hair, and I add it to my wash cloth during my shower as a light moisturizing wash.
I've been testing out different natural cleansers for my and my daughter's hair/body and this one is definitely a keeper.
My New Year's Baking Soda Wash went so very well. My hair looked Incredible this entire holiday weekend. I do need to work on protecting my ends though and that is definetely a New Hair's Resolution for 2011. I recently did a ACV Wash so I skipped it this go round but expect I will do it again in a couple of weeks.I've needed to do ACV rinses because I could not leave conditioning behind and at this baby stage of my sisterlocks heavy conditioners are actually the LAST thing my hair needs. But later I will be giving my sister's fro a deep conditioner then we will be sealing in the conditioner with natural oils.
Here is the Baking Soda cleanser and ACV Rinse recipie for those unfamiliar with it:
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Combine the water and ACV into a bowl or cup. Slowly pour over hair, scrubbing scalp and hair to remove buildup. To smooth the cuticles and restore PH balance, you can also use this rinse as your final step after washing, conditioning and detangling.
A good ACV rinse can remove product buildup, restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair, promote blood circulation in the scalp--which can stimulate new hair growth--and give the hair a soft, healthy sheen.
Baking Soda Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
½ cup baking soda
Directions:
Allow to dissolve, and apply to scalp and hair. Massage. Can be used after regular shampooing or in place of it. The consistency shouldn't be gritty, it should be smooth and easy to apply.
Source
SL Update: 7 Month Baking Soda Wash
SL Update: 7 Month Baking Soda Wash
My New Year's Baking Soda Wash went so very well. My hair looked Incredible this entire holiday weekend. I do need to work on protecting my ends though and that is definetely a New Hair's Resolution for 2011. I recently did a ACV Wash so I skipped it this go round but expect I will do it again in a couple of weeks.I've needed to do ACV rinses because I could not leave conditioning behind and at this baby stage of my sisterlocks heavy conditioners are actually the LAST thing my hair needs. But later I will be giving my sister's fro a deep conditioner then we will be sealing in the conditioner with natural oils.
Here is the Baking Soda cleanser and ACV Rinse recipie for those unfamiliar with it:
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Combine the water and ACV into a bowl or cup. Slowly pour over hair, scrubbing scalp and hair to remove buildup. To smooth the cuticles and restore PH balance, you can also use this rinse as your final step after washing, conditioning and detangling.
A good ACV rinse can remove product buildup, restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair, promote blood circulation in the scalp--which can stimulate new hair growth--and give the hair a soft, healthy sheen.
Baking Soda Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
½ cup baking soda
Directions:
Allow to dissolve, and apply to scalp and hair. Massage. Can be used after regular shampooing or in place of it. The consistency shouldn't be gritty, it should be smooth and easy to apply.
Source
This week, after the Baking Soda Wash and ACV Rinse, one of my colleagues asked me if I colored my hair. She noted that it looked shiny and darker. Earlier last week I told one of colleagues about the ashy accusation and though she disagreed with that observation she did think there was a noticeable difference in my hair's appearance. So I guess I must agree, my hair looked dull.One of my anonymous posters asked why I even conditioned my hair because my locks were still immature and my response is: Because I am a conditioner junkie. But I do need to further research and follow the appropriate routines for my hair. So I do need to do better! Blar....
I Guess My Hair Was Ashy
I Guess My Hair Was Ashy
This week, after the Baking Soda Wash and ACV Rinse, one of my colleagues asked me if I colored my hair. She noted that it looked shiny and darker. Earlier last week I told one of colleagues about the ashy accusation and though she disagreed with that observation she did think there was a noticeable difference in my hair's appearance. So I guess I must agree, my hair looked dull.One of my anonymous posters asked why I even conditioned my hair because my locks were still immature and my response is: Because I am a conditioner junkie. But I do need to further research and follow the appropriate routines for my hair. So I do need to do better! Blar....
Despite the ashy accusation, I've been having some great hair days lately.Hi hun, as I was suggesting maybe have a look at the products you are using it could possibly be product build up over time which might be giving the locs a dull look, maybe try clarifying or possibly cutting down on any moisture products that you might be using or anything with too much oil. Hope that helps.I think she maybe right. Instead of using my homemade moisturizers to thicken the thinning parts of my locks (the problem root areas), I have been using them all over and it maybe too heavy. To combat this I will be doing a clarifying treatment using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. See the ACV instructions here.
Great Hair Days
Great Hair Days
Despite the ashy accusation, I've been having some great hair days lately.Hi hun, as I was suggesting maybe have a look at the products you are using it could possibly be product build up over time which might be giving the locs a dull look, maybe try clarifying or possibly cutting down on any moisture products that you might be using or anything with too much oil. Hope that helps.I think she maybe right. Instead of using my homemade moisturizers to thicken the thinning parts of my locks (the problem root areas), I have been using them all over and it maybe too heavy. To combat this I will be doing a clarifying treatment using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. See the ACV instructions here.
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