Welcome back! In today’s video, I’m sharing a relaxed hair product haul to restock old-school goodies that never miss and a few new pickups that I’m curious to try out..so I’m sharing the dets with y’all :)

Girl, I was so shocked to see that some of our old school faves actually changed their ingredients…for the better!! Like, who would have thought??!! So you know I had to re-purchase it for myself and bring it back to the channel LOL. If you’re on a relaxed hair journey or just looking for new products to try, this is the perfect video to chill and vibe with. From relaxer day must-haves to go-to deep conditioners and hair growth oils, I’m breaking down what’s been working for my hair and why I keep these tried and true staples in my relaxed hair regimen.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more relaxed hair content!

♥ITEMS SHOWN/MENTIONED:

ORS Olive Oil Relaxer - https://amzn.to/4iidl1T
Motions Neutralizing Shampoo - https://amzn.to/3EfcJfv
Olaplex No. 0 - https://amzn.to/42d0toU
Olaplex No. 3 - https://amzn.to/3RBQKTb
As I Am Long & Luxe Shampoo - https://amzn.to/3E9mD2i
Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs and Honey Growth Oil - https://amzn.to/3YiSYup
ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo - https://amzn.to/44YiWqY
ORS Replenishing Conditioner - https://amzn.to/3RTktqQ
S-Curl No Drip Curl Activator - https://amzn.to/3GIuXHb
Skala Ceramidas - https://amzn.to/3YAmb3Z
Skala Maracujá - https://amzn.to/4iQ19Wo
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment - https://amzn.to/4d84UFs
Nutiva Coconut Oil (similar) - https://amzn.to/44uIGeA
Avocado Oil - https://amzn.to/3GDWFF1
Jojoba Oil - https://amzn.to/4mcQyYz
Watch - https://amzn.to/3CzMGyK
Gold Baskets for Hair Product Organization - https://amzn.to/3Tj3AHF

♥OTHER VIDEOS/LINKS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

○ Relaxer Update: Back to ORS! Revisited More Trimming, Still Dealing with Over-processed Hair https://youtu.be/rIJgC2xHcN0
○ Relaxer Day: Nighttime Edition! Back to ORS? Realistic Relaxer Routine + New Products https://youtu.be/R8_TXUXAG4M?si=9smiLQixmXgisTWL
○ Relaxer Update: Hair Struggles, Over-processed Hair, Scurl is back!, 2025 Hair Care Goals and Routine https://youtu.be/G5cJItYnksA
○ PRODUCT FAVES: got rid of my staples & sharing products I’ve been loving! PT.1 https://youtu.be/8L6CasB0L0A
○ PRODUCT FAVES: I can no longer keep these to myself! FINALLY PT.2 https://youtu.be/KVvGib_i4JM 

Hey hun!!

It’s RELAXER DAY!! I’m taking you through my realistic step-by-step Relaxer Day routine but at night - with timestamps. I know, like who does a relaxer at night? LOL…Me!! It happens but honestly it’s so relaxing because I don’t get any interruptions - so it works. My over-processed hair is starting to improve and this routine has been so great for my relaxed hair. I’m very happy with the progress I’ve been making so far. There’s still a lot of work to be done but we are definitely heading in the right direction. 

Hey girl hey!

I'm back with another relaxer update! I know, it's been a while but here we are so...let's get to it!

HA I R   S T A T S:

Relaxer: ORS Olive Oil Lye Relaxer Normal Strength

Relaxer Stretch Ended: 13 Weeks Post Relaxer

Trim: Cut ends to Maintain APL/BSL Length - still in love!

Relaxer Results: Slightly under processed in the middle and nape area

Relaxer day went fine, nothing out of the ordinary to report really - I did my same routine that you see here on my blog & YouTube.  However, by the 2-3 week, I noticed waves at my roots in various sections in my hair. This was a bit alarming as nothing changed in my relaxer application routine (we smoothed, combed through the roots etc.) yet there's still lots of texture at my roots. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about leaving SOME texture behind in the hair for extra strength and elasticity - plus it gives the hair a fuller appearance - but this is definitely more than I typically experience.

It's hard to tell from the photo above that I have several under processed areas - my hair was flat ironed - but my roots are very wavy in an air dried state. It feels like I ended my relaxer stretch just to start another one *sigh*.

So my plan moving forward is to NOT do a corrective relaxer now, or in the next 6 weeks, but to just wait it out for a little and relax no later than 10 weeks post relaxer. I would rather wait and do my touch up earlier (as opposed to 12/13 weeks) while correcting the under processed areas. 

In the meantime, I'm keeping my roots extra moisturized to prevent any unnecessary breakage between the various textures, sticking to my usual wash day regimen and I'll most likely maximize my fave low manipulation styles i.e. braid outs to help blend the textures together.

F A L L ' I N G   B A C K   I N T O   P R O T E C T I V E   S T Y L E S

Now that Fall is here and my roots are slightly under-processed, I've been thinking of implementing some protective styles just to help keep my hands out of my hair. The way I see it, the less manipulation the better right now. Also, in my "10 Things I Don't Do To My Relaxed Hair" YouTube video, I expressed that I'm leaning towards experimenting with headband wigs. I know, I'm late to the whole "headband wig scene" - but I'm curious to see if it's something that I will enjoy as I used to wear wigs throughout my hair journey with no issues.

Straight Headband Wig

In my mind, this style would be reserved for times when I just don't feel like styling my hair, towards the end of my relaxer stretch or when I need to run out of the house in a hurry for whatever reason (typical mom-of-two-type-behaviour right?! lol). Honestly, I haven't worn a wig in yearsssss! I think 2010 was the last time I wore one. I love wigs for the versatility and the ease in which I can remove it nightly to tend to my hair and stick to my hair routine. I'm a little nervous to jump back in the wig game..just baby steps... so headband wigs it is!!

Stay tuned for that...

V I T A M I N   U P D A T E

I will admit, being consistent with my vitamins was a chore over the Summer. Being out and about with the family, out of town, camping, doing activities and just enjoying ourselves kinda threw my vitamin routine off. Now that it's September and we're back into a routine, I find myself getting right back on track. 

In addition to that, I've now included iron in my vitamin regimen to increase my ferritin levels (found out during my yearly check up). I wasn't diagnosed with Anemia (never been either) nor did I have the symptoms of someone who is anemic but an iron treatment was suggested by my doctor to boost my ferritin back to where it used to be (I think this played a role in the shedding that I was complaining about). Part of me wishes I caught this sooner, but I'm glad that I'm taking measures to improve my health.

With that being said, let this be a lesson and reminder to you, get your blood work done, sis! It's so easy to place emphasis on the external but our internal health is equally important, if not more! Other than that, I'm still taking my usuals: Multi's, Vitamin D, Biotin, Omega 3's and Vitamin C.

H A I R   P L A N S

I've been really enjoying and maintaining my new length - just above BSL. I love the ease in taking care of my hair at this length. I don't know what it is, but this length is just really attractive to me. It catches my eye every time I see ladies with this length either on Instagram or Pinterest. I guess since I've had long hair for a very longggg time, it's just something new and different for me - bare with me during my little phase y'all lol. 

I remember mentioning in my previous relaxer update, on my Youtube Channel, that my plan was to maintain this length for the Summer and possibly grow it out toward the end of the year. For now, I think I'm going to stick to this length maybe until the end of the year and then go back to my usual "happy place" - mid back length or longer...*wink*

That's it, sis!

Xoxo

Hey girl,

Co-washing has been my saving grace when it comes to adding moisture to my relaxed hair! Since I do protein treatments often in my hair regimen, cowashing has been a great addition in increasing my moisture levels, preventing breakage and of course making my hair feel smooth, soft and hydrated.

So today, I’m sharing my cowash staples that are tried-and-true for my hair. Let me know in the comments if you cowash and what your staple conditioners are!?



♥PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

Herbal Essences Rosehips Conditioner - https://amzn.to/3nTJlRi

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner - https://amzn.to/3hU4iYE

Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner - https://amzn.to/2XLwXYY

♥WHAT I’M WEARING:

Headband (similar) - https://amzn.to/3hI6d2n
Edge Control - https://amzn.to/3yK0Tkv
Necklace - https://amzn.to/3zYFLbw
Bangle - https://amzn.to/3ykaHlV
“V” Initial Ring - https://amzn.to/3BJQU0F


♥SHOP MY AMAZON STORE:

 

My damaged relaxed hair

Quick visual of my hair regimen now

Hey luvs,

Here is the scarf I use:

What exactly is the Scarf Method?

The Scarf Method is a process that involves gently combing your damp hair (setting it the way you want it to dry - with or without a part) and then applying a satin/silk scarf around your hairline after wash day is complete.  Once your hair is completely dry, remove the satin/silk scarf and the end result leaves you with smooth edges and hair! What more could you ask for?!

If you haven't incorporated this method into your wash day regimen, you're truly missing out!

Scarf Method on Air Dried Hair

Here are 3 Reasons Why You Need the Scarf Method When You Air Dry!

1. Gives your hair structure while drying!

We all know that air drying is the safest and easiest way to dry your hair. However, air drying can cause the hair to dry with an undesirable 'puffy' look if not properly and carefully prepped beforehand. The purpose of applying a scarf on the hairline, while the hair is damp, is that it forces the hair to dry straight. The hair is smoothed into place, with the help of the scarf, aiming to help flatten your edges and roots. The hair maintains this straight shape until it's time to wash again. Without structure, textured hair can dry with bends and curves in the hair shaft causing tangles and breakage. 

2. Lays your hairline and new growth flat! 

Less manipulation the next day is what I'm all about! This is so essential especially when stretching your relaxers. It really slows the urge to relax before the 10-12 week mark. Using this method, my hair is set for the next day and super manageable. I can easily wear my hair down if I choose, or throw it into a low sleek bun without the use of heavy gels or excessive manipulation. Just a little edge control and I'm good to go! This shaping support when the hair is damp provides guidance for easy styling the following day preventing tangles, breakage and over-manipulation. 

3. Heat free and healthier for the hair!

Heat free? Yes please! Achieving smooth hair without heat exposure is a win/win. This effortless method of achieving straight hair is a game changer! Using direct heat with each wash day can weaken the hair strands and cause damage. Opting for heat-free techniques to flatten and smooth the hair cuticle, is the healthier way to go and your hair will thank you for it in the long run.

*Bonus Air Drying Tip #1 - Prevent Poofy/Frizzy Hair:  

Moisturize and seal with an oil of your choice prior to your hair drying - right before you do the Scarf Method. It's best to apply products while your hair is damp. The products will help smooth the cuticle into a flat orientation to prevent frizz.  

*Bonus Air Drying Tip #2 - Smooth Hair: 

Periodically smoothing the hair with your fingers, as your hair is drying, gives your hair and ends structure to dry straight and smooth. Smoothing the cuticle while your hair is damp prevents your hair from getting overly puffy. 

Air Dried Results After Using The Scarf Method

Scarf Method 4 Step Process:

1. After wash day process, apply leave-in conditioner and oil (optional) to damp hair

2. Comb thoroughly and set your hair the way you want it to dry

3. Apply & firmly tie the satin/silk scarf to your hairline

4. Remove scarf once hair is completely dry

The Scarf Method works because the hair is smoothed into place while the hair is wet/damp. This is key! During this state, the hair is most elastic and manageable. Tying the scarf to 'set the hair' in this condition, provides a great environment and foundation for your edges, nape and hair to dry flat without excessive manipulation. 

I get this question all the time: 

"How does your hair dry so straight? My hair dries so poofy?"

The simple answer to that is, I do all the techniques mentioned above. I implemented these steps very early in my hair care journey and never looked back! I swear by it and use it at the end of every wash day whether freshly relaxed or stretching my relaxer. It certainly makes my wash day process effortless with predictable results. 

Xoxo

Merry Christmas!! Wishing you and your family an amazing Holiday filled with love!


In this video I share how I do my flat twist protective style. I love wearing this style when I’m stretching my relaxer because my new growth gives me so much volume and texture for my flat twist. This is a great daily style, perfect for an event and for the Holiday season!

Of course, this protective style keeps my relaxed hair moisturized as my ends are safely tucked away. Hope you enjoy!!

As always, thanks for watching! Oh, and don't forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE :)

xoxo

Happy Relaxer Day!

Don't you just love when this day rolls around? I love when relaxer day comes because #1, it resets my relaxer stretch and #2 it gives me a fresh start with no new growth to "baby" for several weeks. LOL. So, I ended my relaxer stretch at 12 weeks post and I got a trim! Can you believe its been 5 months since my hair cut? Time really does fly.
Today, I wanted to share with you 'Why I Don't Relax Bone Straight' and the benefits of not doing so.  I get comments/questions/messages from people who think I'm texlaxed because of the fullness of my hair - but I'm not. Again, just to clarify, I'm relaxed but not entirely bone-straight. Relaxed hair does N O T and should not be 100% bone-straight!

You see, I believe relaxed hair should be relaxed at 85-90% leaving some room for texture to remain in the strands. The whole point of relaxing is to relax the curl pattern so that it's straight but not to the point where the hair is stick thin, lifeless, limp and over-processed.

In fact, back when I first began my healthy hair journey, I noticed that many of the ladies who I admired had thick, long, healthy relaxed hair and they all had ONE of many things in common...they relaxed their hair leaving a tad bit of texture behind!!! To be clear, they were not texlaxed, but they had just enough wave/texture so that it wasn't super 100% straight. You get me? This was a HUGE game changer for me and the turning point in achieving healthier relaxed hair. Since that tip was shared with me, I never looked back!

OMGosh, flash back!

I remember, prior to my hair journey, when my hairdresser used to apply each and every one of my relaxers from root to tip and make me sit in the relaxer like a deep conditioner until my hair and ends were SUPER straight. I cringe just thinking about it - such a HOT MESS! Of course, my hair was thin, lifeless, constantly breaking and excessively dry!! I thought it was normal for relaxed hair to have those characteristics. I didn't know any better :(



But as the saying goes "when you know better, you do better" - so let's fast forward.

Now that I self-relax (with the help of my sister) I control what relaxer strength I use, how long I leave my relaxer on for, how often I smooth/comb my new growth, my neutralizing process, how I protect my previously relaxed hair etc. which all play a key role in how straight my relaxed hair will become while preserving the texture and health in my hair.

Top 5 Contributors as to Why My Relaxed Hair Isn't Bone Straight:

1. Using a Lye relaxer - Lye relaxers provide a low degree of hair bond breakage that preserves the natural strength and elasticity in the hair. Lye relaxers tend to me more harsh on the scalp than on the hair. Less bond breakage = more structure, fullness and strength remaining in the strands.

2. Using a normal strength relaxer - Normal strength relaxers tend to process the hair slower but perfect enough to achieve my desired straightness. I don't recommend extra stretch relaxers as they are formulated to process the hair quickly increasing the chances of over-processing the hair.

3. Limited smoothing and combing of my new growth - I smooth twice in the front, smooth 3x's in the back & comb twice in the back to ensure my hair gets straight enough and not over-processed. This gives me approximately 85-90% straightness.

4. Not leaving the relaxer on for over 25 mins - I finish my relaxer process usually at the 22-23 minute mark. I don't like to leave my relaxer on longer than that out of fear of it being "too straight". This amount of processing time is perfect for me as I'm able to apply the relaxer all over, smooth, and comb with no fuss.

5. Neutralizing in 3 phases - Taking my time to neutralize my roots for a total of 20 mins ensures all of the relaxer is out of my hair and it's no longer processing my roots. During this process I also notice that the texture of my roots begin to re-appear.



As you see in the picture above, there's a slight wave/texture remaining in my roots post relaxer day. To some, this may be horrific and an alarming state of panic because the "relaxer didn't take"; however, this makes me happy to know that there's texture remaining in my strands. Once you're over-processed, there's no turning back from that!

View this post on Instagram

Relaxer stretch reset to 0 weeks post! Fresh relaxer💁🏾‍♀️💕 P.s. it’s been 5 months since my hair cut💇🏾‍♀️ ▫️ #relaxer #relaxerupdate #relaxerday #relaxedhair #relaxedhairgrows #naturalhair #naturalhairrocks #relaxedhairstyles #teamrelaxed #relaxedhaircommunity #relaxedhaircare #relaxedhairjourney #trimmedends #healthyhairjourney #longhair

A post shared by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Sep 25, 2019 at 8:08am PDT

This stuff is truly amazing that I can’t picture my hair journey/regimen without it. Seriously. Don't get me wrong, I try different products from time-to-time but it's always nice to return back to your "tried and true" products!

Too, I get a ton of questions, from my fellow Hairlistas who are so curious, about this conditioner and it's benefits (I don't blame them, the curiosity got me too and now this conditioner is in my life for good! LOL). Truth be told, its been a staple in my hair regimen for several years now and there are 5 Keys Reasons Why I Love Keracare Humecto, check them out:

1. "Protein Free" Moisturizing Conditioner - I love this conditioner for the simple fact that it's protein free! There are so many conditioners on the market right now that claim to be "moisturizing" yet when you check out the ingredients, it contains proteins that make you second guess even purchasing the item or better yet why they even call it 'moisturizing'! Keracare Humecto has zero protein with ingredients that help to replenish moisture, give slip, detangle and soften my hair perfectly. It makes my hair buttery soft with each use!

2. It's Huge in Size - Packaging is everything to me! Though this line offers various sizes i.e. 8oz, 16oz etc. I'm happy that there's a 5lb tub option for people like me. Not only is the tub huge and lasts me all year, but "they say" the tub has a thicker/creamier consistency than the bottle! and I'm all for thick and creamy conditioners :) Also, having a tub of moisturizing conditioner is just so satisfying to me, especially when you have thick MBL hair. You need a generous amount of conditioner to coat your hair from root to tip. Tub size conditioner is truly a  d r e a m  for any girl who is on a hair journey.

3. Thick/Creamy Consistency - As mentioned before, the tub carries a rich creamy consistency. The  thickness of the conditioner is perfect for my dry coarse 4b/c, especially when I’m stretching my relaxers, it melts away my new growth and tangles with ease. It's honestly been a life saver!

4. pH Balanced - Because I have high porosity hair, using a conditioner with a low pH of 4.5 is essential to get my cuticles (the outer layer of the hair shaft) to lay flat and smooth allowing moisture to remain in my hair. After each use, my hair feels smooth, flow-y and soft as it keeps my hair cuticles sealed and healthy. I couldn't ask for more!

5. Lots of Natural Extracts - This conditioner is packed with a chalk full of natural extracts i.e. Rosemary, Ivy, Garlic, Matricaria, etc. (just to name a few) which is perfect for rejuvenating and restoring nourishment back into the hair and scalp. Quality is key!!

... Humecto is bae and it's not going anywhere, anytime soon!

Since the beginning of my hair journey, back in 2008, my goal length has always been mid-back length. Why mid back length and not waist length you ask? ....Well, I always thought in the back of my mind that mid-back length was that "happy medium" length…not too short..not too long, just perfect in the middle cascading down my back! For that reason, I never had a desire to go passed MBL and I wasn’t comfortable being above that length either. MBL was where I wanted to be and stayed!

I reached my goal in 2010 (2 years later) and I’ve been maintaining my goal length ever since (a total of 7 years). I always say to ladies, it’s one thing to attain your goal but it’s another to maintain the goal you set out to achieve. Getting to MBL was a task full of its own challenges; however, maintaining it was another. It’s truly a lifestyle change!

Over the years, I've found 5 simple yet powerful hair laws, that I swear by, that have allowed me to maintain my hair length for years without a setback!

1. Consistently Consistent – Your list of hair do’s and don’ts become a part of your daily, weekly and monthly regimen and before you know it, it eventually becomes your lifestyle. I religiously stuck to my hair regimen and remained consistently committed to it - no matter what! The more my hair got nourishment and improved from deep treatments, prepoo’s and moisturizing the more I continued to do it until it became a natural habit. Maintaing a low experimental profile of products and techniques, after a phase of trial and error, helped tremendously. Though I may experiment with a few new products here and there, I remain loyal to my "tried and true" staple products and techniques that build my hair and produce consistent results. Your health hair habits attribute to heatlthier hair!

My relationship with Coconut Oil has been a strange one! If I mix it with my deep conditioner - my hair is "oh so" soft yet strong for weeks. If I use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, my hair is rejoicing with praise. It's no surprise, my hair just loves it!

Now here is the tricky part!  If I use Coconut oil on my hair, and don't rinse it out i.e. sealant, my hair throws a tantrum! I'm talking about rough, stiff, dry hair. I have yet to figure out why it behaves this way...its okay though, that doesn't stop me from using this GEM! I just know how to use it to my benefit :)

I never miss my weekly dose of Coconut oil because it:

• Prevents protein loss
• Penetrates into the hair cortex
• Preserves the hair cuticle from damage
• Repairs the hair from the inside out
• Strengthens and fortifies the hair
• Prevents shedding

Here is a NEW video on how I moisturize and seal my 4B relaxed hair. I'm 12 weeks post relaxer in this video. I've been moisturizing and sealing my hair in sections for years. Since I started moisturizing in sections, my hair has become healthier and I retain length easier. Moisturizing in sections ensures no hairs are missed and my strands are hydrated thoroughly.
A few Hairlistas have asked me if my hair get's "wet" after using Scurl No Drip to moisturize my hair; however, my hair remains moist without the "wet" feeling. My hair type seems to respond well to glycerin based products.

Thanks for watching!!

Happening right now!! Ran out of Vaseline, using the next best thing - Dax! Oldie but a goodie. All details will be on my blog (link in bio) #hairlista #relaxedhair

A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Jun 14, 2015 at 3:20pm PDT

If you follow me on Instagram (@hairlicious) you know that I relaxed my close-to-three-months worth of new growth over the weekend. I'm very impressed with the results and the overall process. I've been self-relaxing, with the help of my sister, since 2010. Not only does self-relaxing offer you the flexibility to relax whenever you want, it also provides you with control, freedom and the opportunity to pamper your hair.

Here are the steps I took this relaxer day:

Step 1: Applied Roux Porosity Control all over my hair and ends. This conditioner provides awesome slip for detangling. I apply this to my ends since it has a low pH to prevent the relaxer from processing my ends while I'm rinsing it out.

Step 2: Coated my previously relaxed hair with DAX! I no longer use Castor Oil/JBCO to coat my ends before relaxer. I preserve my liquid gold for my scalp and DC's - only! I've been using Vaseline since it's extremely thick and relaxer will NOT penetrate through it while I'm rinsing my relaxer out. Since I ran out, I decided to use some DAX that was laying around the house. Worked like a charm!

Step 3: Began to section off my hair in 4 quadrants. I proceeded to part my hair in 1" sections and two-strand twist each section. I did this for the entire head.  I put my hair in mini twists to speed up the relaxing process without having to part my hair as I go.

Step 4: I set the timer on the clock to 25 mins.  I usually complete my entire head (with smoothing) with 3-4 mins to spare.

Step 5: I neutralized with Motions Neutralizing Shampoo. I always neutralize 3 times (one session for 5 mins, another for 5 mins and then a final session for 10mins). I leave the neutralizing shampoo on my hair as if it were conditioner. This process ensures the relaxer has stopped working and is no longer in my hair.

Step 6: I followed up with my Creme of Nature Argan Oil sulfate-free shampoo and then t-shirt dried for 15-20 mins.

Step 7: Let the pampering begin!! I deep conditioned with Aussie Smooth + Keracare Humecto w/ 3PO (Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil) under my steamer for 20 mins and then hopped into bed to continue deep conditioning overnight. When I rinsed out my DC in the morning, I was presented with smooth, fluffy, full of texture, soft freshly relaxed hair!

Coconut oil mixed with my protein reconstructor are my "go-to" combination when I'm due for a protein treatment. I apply my protein treatments once a week (typically on Sundays) on dry hair for 20 minutes with heat. Using protein on a weekly basis has assisted in my hair growing strong allowing me to retain length and increase the thickness of my hair.