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.
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| 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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