I want to provide a post of what I use to take care of my hair, both inside and out :) I try to use these products on a day-to-day basis (or as needed) to keep my hair looking and feeling healthy!! Now, I'm not telling you to go out and buy these products, my hair cannot possibly represent all the beautiful textures and patterns in the world, nor do I expect it. One common term I've heard is the LOC method or the Liquid, Oil, Cream system - this is what I use on a semi-regular basis, I decide based on how my hair feels in the morning. There are multiple other hair care regimens I'm sure of that much, don't be afraid to switch things up every now and then, it's better to test the waters than be left stuck with an unreliable regimen!!
1. Daily Moisturizers
As I Am Double Butter Cream
As the name suggests, this is a jar of pure heaven for my hair. It's thick and smells amazing but at $27 per 16 oz jar, you'd best be prepared to burn a tiny hole in your wallet! But it really does last a long time, I'm almost out of this jar but I'll be trying something else soon so my hair won't develop immunity against this yummy hair treat! And luckily it comes in an 8 oz jar for around $16 dollars at Sally's beauty supply, so if your hair is shorter or you can stretch your hair products, this is perfect for you!
Water!!!!!
You can never go wrong with a spray bottle of water! Your hair will thank you every time you refresh it :) On top of that, it's much easier to bring a tiny spray bottle of water with you wherever you go. It also acts as a wonderful base for adding a few extra items like essential oils for amazing smelling hair. As well as spritzing you hair, drinking water is one of the best things you can do for yourself. While I can't testify to drinking 8 oz of water everyday, I do what I can, when I can, but there is a trick I'm considering:
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| Found on Twisted Sifter |
By marking water bottles with times that a section should be finished by, you can manage water intake easily! I admit that I don't really drink water as much as I should, this could really help! Man, now I'm thirsty!!
Oil and/or Oil in water
Currently, I use Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl that I picked up from CVS a few weeks ago. It smells great and has a nice consistency, an added bonus is that it can be used on the skin, as expected with most natural oil blends. You honestly don't have to purchase this, even the stuff in your kitchen pantry would work. Olive oil, coconut oil, and almost any other natural oil in your grocery stores would work fine (no guys, Crisco does NOT count!). I also occasionally put about a 70/30 mix of water and oil respectively and put them in a spray bottle - not only am I getting some good hydration, my curls also get the benefit of all the good stuff found in the oil, be sure the shake the bottle first :) (a tip taken from naturallycurly.com!)
2. Shampoo and Conditioner
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner
Affectionately known in my book as "Crack in a Bottle", a friend of mine got me hooked on this stuff, and it's slowly starting to take over my hair care regimen (I just bought their Curl Enhancing Smoothie which will soon replace my Double Butter Cream). I LOVE the smell of this stuff, it's distinct but not overwhelming, and feels amazing every time I use them <3 Their conditioner doubles as a leave-in, which I used for the first time a few days ago for my two-strand twists (see my epic fail picture at the end of this post XD). I can't wait for the twist-out, I want to see how well I did considering this was my first time!! My hair just absorbs this stuff like crazy and feels super soft.
Organic Root Stimulator Packets
I use the Replenishing Pak as a deep conditioner on an irregular basis. I base whether or not to deep condition my hair depending on my activity - If I've done a lot of running around or working out, I like to use this to help freshen up my hair. I also just bought the HaiRepair conditioner, but I've never used it before - I assume based on the name, it does some major repairing to you hair. Apparently though my hair isn't as damaged as I thought it was, but I don't think there will be a problem in using it. My co-worker did my hair a few weeks ago, and was surprised how healthy my hair was! I was prepared for a trim and everything, but it wasn't necessary XD I was really happy. Her daughter had cut all her hair off about 4 months ahead of me, and now we're at about equal lengths! We couldn't help but laugh about it! But I really think she secretly wants to cut me .___.
3. Internal Care
Vitamins
Vitamins are 'vital' to your health - especially if you don't right like you should. You miss out on all the important things that can only be found in a healthy and well-rounded diet. I only say this because I am one of those people who will pick up the cookies before a carrot! While in the middle of my still-not-off-the-ground-but-will-soon-diet, I take vitamins, namely the One a Day Women's brand. I think any vitamins will do, just have something that's age and condition appropriate - don't grab the Flintstones!
And finally! My week old twist out! It's holding up surprisingly well :D Everyone seems to like this look more than my afro, but by the time you read this post, it will back to a big 'ol cotton ball. <3 The second pic was out of boredom... BEHOLD THE POWER IF XIU XIU MEITU!! Scary and fake all at the same time, but that's because I purposely overdid it <3
Bye guys!! I leave you with Tobuscus.... because I simply love him <3 It's the gamer in me :)
