Off and on, I’ve been having trouble with this one spot at the crown of my head.  The area for the most part was itchy, dry, flaky,and the hair was very brittle, and broke off easily.   The problem area came and gone.  The hair would grow back, except thinner than the other areas.   Since I decided to grow my hair out, and I want it to be healthier, I eventually ended up going to the dermatologist in February to see what the root of the problem is (no pun intended).   Prior to going to the dermatologist, I diagnosed myself with having follicle damage, but, that isn’t the case.

Without a healthy scalp, you will not have healthy hair, so my dermatologist prescribed Loprox shampoo, which I have to use twice per week for four weeks, as well as Olux-E Foam.  I use the shampoo, but not the foam (too many side-effects and I breast feed).   When the dermatologist said I had to wash my hair 2 times per week, I cringed.  Then she said I needed to stretch between my relaxers… Ahh!  You know how us brown girls are with our hair.  I thought to myself, ‘What the heck am I going to do with my hair in between washes?’   

Before I get into what I do, and how I do it, I would just like to say that washing my hair twice per week isn’t so bad afterall.  It’ a tedious process but, I’m loving the results.

1. Pre-Poo

Before heading to the dermatologist, I perused the LongHairCareForum.com for tips on dealing with my issue.  I came across many, many forum discussions on “pre-pooing” and its importance.  It sounds a little funny, and seeing the term actually made me giggle (a little).   I also learned about co-washing (cleansing your hair with conditioner), which products to avoid, and using ayurvedic powders to take care of your hair.   So, with all of the knowledge I gained from the LHCF, I started the following regimen:

1st I started off pre-pooing with Burt’s Bee’s Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Treatment, I liked how it left my hair, but, you don’t get much use out of the product so I ended up making my own… using it will get expensive!

My Current Pre-poo Mix Contains

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

Shikakai Powder – Strengthens,  cleanse

Amla Powder – prevents hair loss, darkens hair, conditions

Neem Powder – anti-bacterial, dandruff

Peppermint Essential Oil – Stimulates hair growth, circulation

Rosemary Essential Oil – Stimulates Hair Growth (Do NOT use if pregnant)

Tea Tree Essential Oil – Good for dandruff, oily hair, anti-bacterial

Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2.  Shampoo

After I pre-poo either for 30-minutes or over night (using a plastic cap), I rinse it out with warm water, and shampoo with the Loprox. 

3.  Condition – Protein

My current protein conditioner is Salerm 21 B5 Silk Protein Leave-In Conditioner.  I don’t use it as a leave-in, instead, I use it as a mask and leave it on my hair for 5-minutes then rinse.

*Sometimes I mix it with Silicon mix

4.  Deep Condition (DC)

After I rinse the protein treatment out I deep condition (sometimes under the dryer) with a moisturizing conditioner.  Currently, I’m using Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner.  This was love after first use! Seriously, this is great stuff!!!  I recommended it to all of my friends and my sisters. 

5.  Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Once every other week (or less) I rinse my hair with a solution of cold water and apple cider vinegar. 

6.  Leave-in Conditioner (moisturize)

First I apply 1-2 pumps of WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner (adds slip & perfect for when I need to wrap or rollerset my hair), then I spray on some I use Creme of Nature Argan Oil Strength & Shine Leave-in Conditioner.

I need more WEN. I’m down to my last drop.  I want to try WEN Fig.  It’s so freakin expensive though!!!

7.  Apply a sealant

After you mositurize your hair, you’re supposed to seal it with an oil to lock-in the moisture.  I use a serum from Mizani to do that. I apply it all over my hair, especially on my ends.  Even when air drying my hair, I like how Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum leaves my hair.

8.  Style

Here is whether I either roller set, wrap, or air-dry my hair.  Weekends are when I tend to do the roller setting since it takes the longest for me to do, especially with a 11 month old crawling around getting into everything.  Weekdays I will either wrap my hair with Wen & use the black Sanek Mega Wrap Strip, or I will air dry it – hair pulled back, with the strip around my edges.  I usually wear my hair in a “stingy” ponytail as my friend Janique calls it.  I have a little bit for a mini bun.  I’m working on it .:lol:. 
 

I must admit that washing my hair twice a week is tedious, especially with all of the steps, but, it’s been worth it. I hardly use any heat (no flat iron in 6 weeks), which is great for the hair.  One day I missed pre-pooing, and I could tell the difference; my hair just did not feel as soft.  It’s been 6 weeks since my last relaxer, and it’s usually around this time I am setting up to get my touch-up.  My goal is to make it to 10 weeks or longer.  I hope I can make it. So far so good. 

I also want to henna my hair, but, it takes a long time.  I need to reserve it for a long weekend.

Do you have a strict hair care regimen?

Do you set hair goals?

What are your favorite hair products for healthy hair (natural or relaxed)