Let's Build a Regimen, Shall We?

To a naive product junky, products are responsible for healthy hair growth AND length retention.  To a seasoned product junky, who enjoys purchasing products for fun, we know products play little part.  There is, of course, the exception of having an allergy or some other adverse reaction to a product; then, product choice is much more meticulous.

THE KEY TO GROWING YOUR HAIR LONGER IS CONSISTENCY!  You have to find what routine works for your hair and use your chosen products to accomplish that routine.  See the relationship?

So, as the title states- let's build a regimen!!!!!!  I want to build 1 regimen that will be easy to follow, fast for sweaty days, and healthy for my hair.  Use this as a guide  to your own hair needs and keep a journal right along with me for the next month-and-a-half.  So here goes:

Sunday: Sock bun and baggy using LOC (liquid, oil, cream) moisture method, scalp massage
Monday: Rock the bun
Tuesday: Co-wash and finger detangle. Oil scalp if needed and massage, put in flat twists
Wednesday: Wear flat twists
Thursday: Wear flat twists
Friday: Deep condition (henna, AO-GPB, or oil/honey/cond), scalp massage
Saturday: Shampoo scalp, and flat twist

I do prefer flat twists as a protective style.  Free standing two-strand twists allow my hair to tangle and I never get them in, in such a way that they are wearable in a down style.  They always show a lot of scalp.  Also, the back of my hair is very coarse...while the top and front of my crown are nearly straight.  It's a strange combination, but that's my head of hair.  I used to co-wash and wear a wet bun a lot, but this required lots more combing and the back of my hair would still get very matted after drying.  So it was hard to wear the same bun over and over due to a matted, shrunken mess in the back of my head that tangled and got the dreaded single strand knots.  UGGGGGHHHHHH!  But for variation and b/c flat twists can start to look fuzzy, I'll throw in the sock bun after my detangled hair is dry and stretched.

I thought back to when I transitioned.  I remember getting regular trims to rid myself of the relaxer, cleansing often, and rarely using a comb.  I knew nothing about moisturizing and my hair was breaking A LOT, but it was growing just as fast.  So now that I know about moisturizing my hair, I want to go back to doing the things that actually were working.  For me that is more frequent cleansing.  My scalp can get a little dirtier than other naturals I know.  To wash once a month would be murder to my scalp and hair- I really don't understand how other people do it. I will trim every 3 months on my own.  And I will not comb my hair as often...1-2 times a month.  Gentle handling and finger combing should keep tangles at bay.  Also, super slippery conditioners.

To shampoo without drying your hair out...make sure you pre-poo with oil or oil and conditioner together.  Then deep detangle (detangling with a comb), then put your shampoo in a hair color bottle, part your hair and apply the shampoo to your scalp only BEFORE getting into the shower.  Then rinse in the shower trying to avoid agitating your hair. Use your fingertips to gently work the shampoo into a lather. If you like to wash, rinse, repeat, I suggest stopping the water and again taking your time to apply the shampoo to only your scalp.  And YES, I love sulfate shampoo.  Nothing else controls my dandruff better or gets my hair/scalp clean enough.

Obviously modifications will have to be made to this routine if I sweat more...in which case I might co-wash on a flat twist day.  But for the most part...I want to stick to this recipe for 6 weeks and see if it works or not.  Growing hair is a process...it takes time...you just have to be patient.  Too often people try something (be it product or process) a few times and call it quits saying it did not work for them...you need at least 3 weeks of consistency to know if your hair is prospering or if you're causing a setback.  Setbacks are easily detected and whatever is causing it should be stopped at once!

My goal in all of this is to grow my hair long enough so that I can co-wash and roll or twist my entire head of hair together and clip it against my head.  That would bring so much ease into my routine, seal in moisture, and look presentable.  Fingers crossed.  Weigh in on your routines and give me feedback!!!!  I will definitely keep this blog around as a little journal....and who knows...pics might be in order.  We shall see.

One Love <3

LoriLove