Hairlicious Inc.: Quick Tips

April Q&A - Your Hair Questions Answered!

Hair Questions Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Happy Wednesday!

Of course, I'm back with my monthly Q&A.

Last month, on my Instagram Stories, I hosted a Q&A and as usual you guys SHOWED OUT with an abundance of hair related questions. Certainly, I wasn't able to answer every question, at that time.

So per my usual Q&A routine, I take up the remaining most common questions, here on my blog, to help you guys out.

I love being able to answer your hair questions...so lets get right into it!

CAN YOU RECOMMEND SOME NON PROTEIN CONDITIONERS?

Protein-free conditioners are a MUST! Here are a few of my favourites :

1. TGIN Moisture Miracle Mask

2. Keracare Humecto Creme Conditioner

3. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey Mafura Oil Masque

4. Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1

5. As I Am Hydration Elation

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU RELAX YOUR HAIR?

I think no sooner than 10 weeks is perfect. I love to stretch my relaxers anywhere from 10-12 weeks. Nothing too drastic yet effective enough to prevent relaxer overlap.

MY HAIR BREAKS A LOT AND I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING AND WHEN I COMB A LOT COMES OUT. HELP!

Sorry to hear this! It could be a number of variables that's causing your breakage i.e. your products, over manipulation, over-processed hair etc.

For starters, it's best to do a strand test to determine what your hair may be lacking. Take a shed or broken strand of hair and slightly tug on the ends of the strand. If it breaks easily without much stretch, chances are, your hair is moisture deficient. If you tug your strand and it begins to stretch, stretch and stretch before breaking, your hair is protein deficient. Once you 'diagnose' the deficiency in your hair, clarify your hair using a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any product build up. This will reset the hair to accept and absorb product efficiently. Next, proceed with the necessary treatment for your hair i.e. moisture or protein. Continue to assess your hair and make any adjustments to your regimen as you see fit.

Be sure to check out these links to help you further:

Hair Breakage 101 - Moisture Deficiency in Hair - Click Here!

Hair Breakage 101 - Protein Deficiency in Hair - Click Here!

WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER RELAXER DAY? LIKE THAT DAY AND WEEK? WHAT DOES THAT ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?

After a relaxer, I typically flat iron my hair and proceed to trim my ends at the salon. I then rock my straight style for approximately 5-7 days. I preserve it by wrapping it at night and lightly moisturizing it. Once my hair starts to feel weighed down (or I'm just over it), I go back into my usual wash day routine by doing a protein prepoo, shampoo, deep condition, and air dry or I do my Olaplex routine.

If you haven't already, check out my Post Relaxer Olaplex Routine

SCALP OILS?

Lately, I've been loving Coconut oil mixed with Rosemary, Lavender and Peppermint essential oils. I also enjoy using JBCO and Atarah Hair Treatment Oil on my scalp after wash day.

HOW CAN I IMPROVE THE THICKNESS OF MY HAIR?

If you naturally have fine/thin hair, it's not possible to increase the thickness of your strands - unfortunately. However, if you have over processed hair/ends due to the misuse of chemical services, it's definitely possible to return the thickness and health back in to your strands overtime.

Be sure to check out this post on 7 Ways To Thicken Relaxed Hair. Swear by it!

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED RICE OR ONION WATER? IF YOU HAVE WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IT THAT YOU HAVE NOTICED?

I tried rice water years ago, wasn't really impressed by it. It made my hair hard and stringy. Never, tried onion water. Not really into the gimmicks, to be honest.

CAN THE ORS HAIR MAYONNAISE BE USED JUST LIKE THE APHOGEE KERATIN 2 MIN RECONSTRUCTOR?

Yes. They are both protein based conditioners to help repair the hair. However, the protein content in the Hair Mayo is slightly stronger as the Hydrolyzed Protein is higher up in the ingredient list as opposed to the Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor.

HOW LONG DO YOU WEAR YOUR PROTECTIVE STYLES?

I never sleep in protective styles i.e. braided ponytails, buns etc. I don't wear them for extended periods of time. If I choose to wear a protective style, I take them down nightly.

WHAT CAN I USE TO GROW MY HAIRLINE?

You can try massaging any one of these oils into your hairline daily: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Atarah Hair Treatment or a carrier oil mixed with Rosemary, Peppermint and Lavender essential oils. These oils really help to stimulate blood flow in the scalp and promote hair growth.

Also, if you relax your hair, try relaxing your hairline last or every other relaxer to give it a break. Refrain from tight hairstyles and protect your hair at night with a satin scarf and/or bonnet.

WHAT DO YOU USE TO PREPOO AND FOR HOW LONG?

I use Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor to prepoo mixed with Coconut Oil. I leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

DO YOU DEEP CONDITION/STEAM WHEN YOU CO-WASH AS WELL?

If I have time, yes. Otherwise, I'll skip the steaming/deep conditioning phase and just co-wash.

IS IT SAFE TO TAKE HAIR VITAMINS WHEN TRYING TO CONCEIVE? AND WHICH WILL YOU RECOMMEND?

I think a prenatal vitamin is more than sufficient plus it has all the essential vitamins and minerals for hair growth! Too, a daily prenatal vitamin is vital prior to conception.

CAN I DEEP CONDITION EVERY TWO WEEKS INSTEAD OF WEEKLY?

For sure. Do what's best for you, your hair and your schedule!

AMAZON SUPPLIER FOR KERACARE HUMECTO CONDIITIONER?

You bet - Click Here!

HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR HAIR A DAY AFTER RELAXING? ANY MOISTURIZER OR JUST OIL?

My hair is in a flat ironed style after a relaxer. I don't moisturize until approximately day 2/3. I use an oil based moisturizer to preserve the sleekness.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE UNTIL YOUR HAIR FINALLY CAUGHT ON THE ROUTINE?

About 3-4 months into my journey, my hair started to take off and respond positively to the products and routine I was using.

WHAT IS THE BEST MOISTURIZER AND LEAVE-IN CONDITOINER FOR RELAXED HAIR?

It's hard to say because the answer will be very subjective - no matter who you ask.

For me, I love and use As I Am So Much Moisture Hair Lotion or Scurl No Drip Activator to moisturize. I also like to use the moisturizers mentioned above as leave-ins sometimes. But a couple other amazing leave-in conditioners are Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Leave-in and Shea Moisture Sugarcane Extract & Meadowfoam Seed Silicone Free Leave-in. A few other moisturizers, that many relaxed ladies love, are ORS Hair Lotion, TGIN Daily Moisturizer, and Mielle Organics Hair Milk.

DO YOU USE A HEAT PROTECTANT BEFORE STRAIGHTENING YOUR HAIR?

Always - without a doubt!

AFTER PUTTING IN MY DEEP CONDITIONER, MY ENDS STILL FEEL DRY? DO YOU KNOW WHY IS THAT?

It varies. It could be the deep conditioner that you're using, perhaps it's filled with a lot of protein and you're not balancing it with moisture or it's not moisturizing enough or rather you have a lot of buildup and you need to clarify your hair. Also, you may be due for a trim, definitely look into that!

THE MORE I STRETCH THE MORE MY NEW GROWTH GETS TANGLED UP DURING WASH DAY. WHATS THE BEST WAY TO WASH?

This is common! It's so vital to wash and massage your roots gently yet strategically when stretching your relaxer. For a 'fool-proof' method, thoroughly detangle your hair prior to shampooing and then put your hair in 6-8 plaits to prevent the roots of your hair from matting while shampooing. The shampoo will go directly on your scalp and run down the length of your hair for adequate cleansing. It works!

WHAT HAIR STEAMER THAT IS NOT TOO EXPENSIVE CAN YOU RECOMMEND?

Try the Kingdomcares Hair Steamer or the Vicarko Hair Steamer Heat Cap. Both are effective and affordable!

IS SCURL ONLY FOR THE NEW GROWTH?

Not at all. I love and use it for moisturizing my hair and ends. It's a gem!

WHICH PROTEIN TREATMENT BASED PRODUCTS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR APHOGEE?

Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor is amazing! However, there are a few alternatives:

1. ION Effective Care Treatment

2. ION Reconstructor

3. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner

4. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment (moisture/protein balanced)

5. ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner (moisture/protein balanced)

WILL YOU BE MAINTAINING THE HAIR LENGTH YOU ARE NOW OR GROW IT OUT?

It's funny because I've been getting this question a lot lately. I'm loving my new length!! It's such a breeze and easy to manage, especially on wash days. Right now, my plan is to maintain it for a long as I can - going into Summer. Most likely, I will keep this length until Fall. We shall see *wink*

So that was pretty fun! Of course, if I missed your question, please re-submit it during the next Q&A. I will be hosting an upcoming Q&A session for the month of May on my Instagram Stories - stay tuned!

Xoxo.

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July Q & A - Your Hair Questions Answered!

Hair Health Monday, August 10, 2020

July Q&A - Your Healthy Hair Questions Answered | www.HairliciousInc.com

Happy August!

So last month on my Instagram Stories, I answered several of your hair related questions via the Questions feature. I had so much fun with you guys and it was a great interactive way to answer your questions. Too, I was able to formulate my FAQ's that I typically get on a weekly basis off of many of the questioned I received. Go check out my "FAQ" highlight, if you haven't already.

July Q&A

There were many questions that I just couldn't answer (you guys went in!!) so I figured why not make a blog post answering your questions in detail along with links to help serve you better - sounds good?! Too, if you don't see your question here, chances are I already answered it.

Below were your questions in July.

DO YOU COLOUR YOUR HAIR, IF SO WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE?

No. I don't colour my hair. Overtime, my hair has become darker as a result of it being healthier. FYI - overly damaged porous hair tends to have a brownish tint to it. But for those who are looking to colour their hair safely at home, I do recommend the Clairol Natural Instincts (Ammonia free) or Clariol Professional Advance Gray Solution (Ammonia and Peroxide free).

IS DEEP CONDITIONING ON DRY HAIR THEN COWASHING EFFECTIVE?

Absolutely. Actually, I swear by it for tackling dry hair issues. Deep conditioning on dry hair can be very effective. Think of your hair as a sponge, if you will. When a sponge is sopping wet with water, its ability to absorb anything further is slightly hindered as the sponge is already 'full'. Applying conditioner to dry hair allows the hair strand to quickly absorb the conditioner without any other substance/liquid interacting with it - get it? So your hair is getting straight conditioner as opposed to water mixed with conditioner.

Check out my YT video on my Mid-Week Wash Day Routine where I deep condition on dry hair and then co-wash to give my hair a boost in moisture during the week. However, I still recommend that shampooing be apart of your weekly hair care maintenance.

HOW LONG AFTER I DYE MY HAIR (NOT USING BLEACH) SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE I RELAX?

Two to three weeks should suffice. It's important to make sure your hair is conditioned and strong prior to another chemical service. Also, this waiting period will ensure that there's no scalp sensitivity. Keeping up with your moisture and protein conditioning sessions, after a relaxer touch up and prior to dying your hair, is vital.

HOW DO YOU AVOID POST-PARTUM HAIR LOSS?

No avoiding it, sis. You just have to let it run its course. I understand how you feel, but it's part of the whole process. I found that doing black tea rinses, keeping up with my diet, getting rest and taking my postnatal vitamins helped to decrease my shedding after having my daughter two years ago. I also got a second wave of shedding once I stopped breastfeeding this year - the worst! When it's hormonal, you can't stop it, but you can help decrease it. My Black Tea Rinse Process was my 'go-to' and definitely kept my shedding at bay!

ONE HAIR PRODUCT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?

Currently? As I Am So Much Moisture Hair Lotion. It's gold!

DO YOU TAKE HAIR VITAMINS?

No, I don't. I do take a daily multivitamin.

I AM ALMOST 20 WEEKS POST RELAXER ANY TIPS FOR THE ROOTS AND HOW TO ADD EXTRA MOISTURE?

When stretching your relaxers, it's so important to closely monitor your moisture/protein levels to ensure that the demarcation line (where the new growth and relaxed hair meet) is strong yet hydrated. Added moisture really helps to keep your new growth manageable and soft - which is necessary. Here are a few tips on how to maintain excessive new growth during a relaxer stretch.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU DO PROTEIN TREATMENTS IN A MONTH?

I'll do a light protein treatment either weekly or bi-weekly followed by a moisture deep condition session. My protein treatments can range from 2-4x/month.

I RELAX MY HAIR BUT I STRUGGLE WITH DRY, SENSITIVE AND ITCHY SCALP. I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW I CAN IMPROVE IT?

Dry, sensitive and itchy scalp is a common condition - although it's no fun! Dry itchy scalp can be an indicator of many things i.e. not rinsing out your shampoo's and/or deep conditioners properly, lack of moisturizing products, hormonal imbalance, stress, environmental factors etc. Pouring Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with water (1 part ACV w/ 2 parts water) on your hair after you rinse out your shampoo will help alleviate any dandruff or itchy scalp. Also, applying Coconut oil mixed with a couple drops of Peppermint essential oil can eliminate dry itchy scalp. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties and Peppermint oil soothes the scalp and stimulates blood flow.

WHEN YOU SELF RELAX DO YOU USE THE OLAPLEX BEFORE OR AFTER YOU RINSE OUT YOUR RELAXER?

I use Olaplex No. 3 after I neutralize. To recap, I relax, rinse out the relaxer, neutralize (3 phases), apply Olaplex No. 3, shampoo, deep condition and style.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT BREAKAGE?

Breakage is inevitable, however there are ways to help minimize it. Here are some indicators letting you know if you need moisture vs. protein.

Need more p r o t e i n

- mushy limp hair

- overly stretchy hair

- long broken hairs

Need more m o i s t u r e

- breaks with little to know manipulation

- rough brittle texture

- short broken hair

Keeping your moisture and protein levels balanced in your strands is key! Deep conditioning with heat weekly, moisturizing and sealing daily or every other day (in sections), protective styling often, and having a low manipulation hair routine all help to prevent breakage. Less touching, the better. Here are my length retention tips to help minimize breakage and here too.

SHOULD PROTEIN BE IN A LEAVE IN CONDITIONER?

If your hair thrives with it - go ahead! I personally think that protein should be used in the 'conditioning phase' of your hair regimen to avoid that dry, rough feeling protein often brings.

HOW DO YOU STOP RELAXED HAIR FROM SHEDDING?

Shedding is a natural part of our hair growth cycle. Shedding anywhere from 50-100 hairs a day, is normal. A shed hair tends to be long in length and has a tiny white bulb at the end - which means its cycled through the Telogen phase. Shedding can be decreased with the help of Black Tea Rinses, as I mentioned earlier, Coconut oil scalp massages, or a Green Tea Rinse. There's no reason to be concerned unless your shedding is excessive. If your shedding is more than that, it could be a result of many things i.e. dietary issues (i.e. lack of iron), hormonal imbalances (i.e. birth control, medication), stress (i.e. lack of sleep) etc. All of which should be monitored and adjusted or corrected with professional help from a medical physician.

WHICH CLARIFYING SHAMPOO DO YOU USE? AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE IT?

I love and use ORS Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo once a month to clarify and rid my hair of product build-up.

DO YOU USE HARD PROTEIN TREATMENTS SUCH AS APHOGEE 2-STEP, AFFIRM 5IN1 RECONSTRUCTOR?

No. For some reason my hair breaks excessively when I use hard proteins. I prefer to use my Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor weekly or biweekly to get a consistent dose of protein. I always follow up with moisture to balance my hair out.

DO YOU LOOK AT THE COMPOSITION OF THE PRODUCTS BEFORE BUYING THEM?

Yes. It's a habit. I always review the ingredients of a product prior to purchasing it. Knowing the ingredients in your products, as to whether or not it's protein, moisture, humectants, fatty alcohol etc. is key in understanding your hair, including when and how to use the product for better results overall.

DO YOU WRAP YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT?

I only wrap my hair when my hair is freshly flat ironed. Otherwise, on a nightly basis, I just cover my hair with my satin scarf and satin bonnet. My hair is secure yet loose in the scarf and bonnet.

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3 Reasons Why You Need the Scarf Method When You Air Dry Your Hair! | Relaxed Hair

Hair Health Wednesday, July 15, 2020

So it's wash day, right?! You've already shampooed, deep conditioned, and applied your leave-ins. Now it's time to dry your hair BUT you immediately go into a state of panic! Why? Because the next and healthiest step, is air drying your hair but fear of the unknown kicks in = untamed, puffy hair! *Sigh* Lesson learned, hair should always be guided and controlled as it dries. Rest assured, air drying can be made easy with the help of implementing the Scarf Method!

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

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3 Reasons Why Coconut Oil Needs To Be In Your Regimen

Coconut Oil Thursday, June 08, 2017

I know I know, another article on Coconut oil and it's benefits - Geez! But in all honesty, Coconut oil is truly a powerful oil aiding in the repair of damaged hair. Whether you are relaxed, texlaxed, transitioning, or natural, the usage of Coconut oil, to some degree, is essential in your regimen and healthy hair journey. Here's why:

[1] Coconut oil has a high affinity for hair protein which aids in reducing protein loss in damaged and undamaged hair. Reducing protein loss reinforces the integrity of the hair promoting the increase of thickness in your hair.

[2] Easily penetrates the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight nourishing the hair from the inside out improving hair porosity.

[3] Promotes hair growth, healthier ends and reduces hair fall by improving scalp health.

Those who have chemically treated hair (relaxed hair, coloured hair etc.) benefit the most from having Coconut oil in their regimen. Let's face it, it's no secret that chemical treatments damage the structure of the hair cuticle (to some degree) in order to manipulate the strands to a 'permanent' state; thus, leaving it more prone to breakage. Coconut oil, when applied consistently, fortifies the strands increasing durability and strength by filling the cracks along the hair shaft caused by chemical treatments.

Too, Coconut oil acts like a 'hair protector' by preventing the swelling and contraction of the hair shaft when absorbing water. During washes, the frequent swelling and de-swelling of the cuticle can cause holes/damage along the hair shaft over time. Coconut oil, consistently applied to the hair, assists in improving hair porosity and cuticle structure. Low porosity hair can also benefit from Coconut oil by using it in the conditioning phase (prepoo, added to your deep conditioner, etc.) of a regimen and in small doses.

Using Coconut oil, whether it be in the conditioning phase or as a leave-in/sealant in your regimen, will help reinforce the strength and integrity of your strands. Using this oil consistently will allow your hair to reap the most benefits and your hair will thank you for it!!

[TIP]: For those who are sensitive to Coconut oil and experience rigid/rough hair when using it as a sealant, the trick is to use a finger dap amount per section and work it into the hair. I find that less is more with Coconut oil as it's very easy to overdo it.

I notice that when I consistently use Coconut oil in my regimen (in the conditioning phase i.e. prepoo - prior to washing), my ends remain preserved and intact preventing frequent trims. After I prepoo with Coconut oil (15-20mins with heat) I notice softer and smoother hair with less friction when styling. The durability of my hair improves along with the fullness of my hair!

I'm currently hosting a Coconut Oil Challenge on Hairlista.com, in the groups section, in hopes of improving the overall health of my hair by using Coconut oil for a total of 3 months - June 1st - Sept. 1st 2017. I'm participating in the Advance level and I'm excited. Come join me :) See you online!

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7 Habits of a Successful Hair Care Journey | Relaxed Hair Care

Hair Health Monday, February 20, 2017

If you're reading this post it means your interested in learning, or possibly fine tuning, habits for a successful healthy hair journey. As with anything in life, what you repeatedly do becomes a habit. Right?

HABIT :

noun \ hab-it

A habit is a routine of behaviour that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously.

Throughout the years, I've picked up on key habits that most, if not all, successful hair journeyers possess. By successful I mean:

- ability to reach their hair goals i.e. in length, thickness, etc.
- have made the transition from damaged to healthier hair
- maintain healthy hair after reaching their intended hair goals

Just through simple observation, I have found hair habits that seem to be universal across the board. These key habits provide a great foundation and guideline for those who are just starting their hair journey or need a little re-fresher! Sometimes we get caught up in new products, techniques, and tools that we get side tracked from what truly works for our hair. These 7 Habits of a Successful Hair Journey all work simultaneously to create the foundation for a successful hair journey!

"Sometimes we get caught up in new products, techniques, & tools that we get side tracked from what truly works for our hair @hairlicious" - Click To Tweet

Check out my list of 7 Habits of a Successful Hair Journey, below:

1) Consistency - With anything that you want to accomplish, there needs to be consistency. Those who have a successful hair journey display consistency in how often they deep condition, moisturize and seal, consistently wearing a satin scarf to bed, laying off of heat etc. Their consistency reaps results! It's all about staying consistently consistent!

Don't give up! Be consistently consistent in your hair regimen & you'll begin to see results | HairliciousInc.com

"Don't give up! Be consistently consistent in your hair regimen & you'll begin to see results #7SuccessfulHairJourneyHabits @hairlicious" - Click to Tweet

2) Set Regimen - Vital! As you continue to stay consistent and notice positive results, a regimen will develop. Regimens are necessary as it is a habit of routine behaviour. Most, if not all, healthy hair journeyers have a regimen that they follow on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. They tend to not deviate from their flow. This routine behaviour produces predictable results helping to heal and/or maintain their healthy hair.

3) Patience - Those who have achieved their desired hair goals know that patience is a virtue and a key component. Having unrealistic expectations can lead to failed/unsuccessful hair journeys. Those who have a successful hair journey exercise patience through the good, bad and ugly.

4) Keep It Simple - It's just that simple! I find many ladies who have reached phenomenal lengths and thickness keep a very simple, easy to follow regimen (let's not forget the products too). Less is more! By keeping things simple it allows you to understand your hair, know what works and it takes the confusion out of it, allowing you to reach your goals with ease.

Find a regimen & products that work for you - stick to them! Keep your hair care regimen simple & leave your hair alone - you'll get to your goal faster! | HairliciousInc.com

5) Know Your Hair - As a follow up to the point above, the best way to learn the behaviour/characteristics of your hair, is to keep things simple! Simplifying your products and your routine will give you a chance to see how your hair responds - so important. Paying attention to the way your hair speaks to you will put you at an advantage to attain your goals. You will know the unique do's and dont's according to your hair.

6) Holy Grail Products - Let's face it, there are a ton of products out on the market for relaxed, natural, texlaxed and transitioning hair. Everyone wants to try the "new stuff" - which is great. But what I've noticed is that those who have a successful hair journey, tend to always revert back to their holy grail/staple products. Though they try a new product here and there, they always have their staple products in rotation (this goes back to Consistency). Their "tried and true" products die hard!

7) Low Manipulation/Protective Styling - Those who have a successful hair journey know the importance of leaving their hair alone and laying off of direct heat for a period of time that best suits them. They have routine behaviour of choosing styles that will not add stress and/or strain to their hair i.e. buns, braid-outs, twist-outs, up-dos, box braids, wigs etc. In fact, many hair journey's that display success are a result of just leaving the hair alone.

What do you think? Would you apply these techniques? What habits have you incorporated into your hair journey?

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