Wash Day September 15, 2014

Recently my wash days do not seemed to go the way I plan them, and this week was no exception. Because I was preparing to do a full-head clip-in install I wanted to do a clarifying shampoo along with a protein treatment; however due to my recent dry spell I didn't think a harsh shampoo and protein treatment would be in my hair's best interest. I decided to go with some tried and true moisturizing products to prep my hair for my protective style. 

1. Over night hot oil pre-poo: This treatment came about out of sheer laziness. I heated my Hot Six Oil in a mug of hot water for 1 minute and began adding the oil to my hair, parting it into four quadrants then working with 1/2 inch sections within each quadrant. Once I finished I realized I did not feel like washing my hair that night, donned a plastic shower cap and bonnet and continued with the rest of my day.
2. Shampoo: The next morining I opted for my Kera Minerals Sulfate-Free Shampoo because it typically provides moisture and protection from the heat styling tools. I lathered twice, which I am beginning to think is a mistake - even with sulfate-free shampoos- because that second lather always leaves my hair feeling dry.
3. Quick Conditioner: Although I think too much protein may be the culprit behind my dryness woes, I went ahead and did a quick condition with my Kera Minerals Smoothing Deep Conditioner. (I wanted to use this because of the results it gives after heat styling) I squeezed the excess water from my hair and added a quarter sized amount of conditioner working from the ends to the roots and let it sit for about 3 minutes. Then rinsed with luke-warm water and allowed to t-shirt dry for 3 minutes.
4. Deep Conditioner: Using my GVP Conditioning Balm (Matrix Biolage) I again parted my hair into four sections and applied a nickle sized amount to each section working from the ends to the roots. I forgot how well this conditioner worked for my hair and how truly moisturizing it is; for some reason my hair was tangled after washing and conditioning with my Kera Minerals and the Conditioning Balm smoothed those tangles out easily.
1. To add a bit more "umph" to my conditioner I added a layer of warm Hot Six Oil to each quadrant working it through from the ends to roots. Once the oil was applied to each quadrant I gathered my hair into a low ponytail and added a bit more oil to perimeter and ends of my hair.
2. I was again too lazy to sit beneath my hooded dryer so I simply donned my shower cap and sat around for about 40 minutes. I rinsed the conditioner with cool water and noticed my hair felt extremely soft to the touch.
5. Leave-Ins: I used an old faithful product as a leave in as well, my Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In. Because I planned on blow drying my hair and using a curling wand I wanted to be sure I had adequate heat protection while also ensuring my hair was both moisturized and strengthened. I sprayed each section of my hair thoroughly with the leave-in and proceeded to detangle using my wide-toothed shower comb.
6. Styling: Working in my usual four sections I began blow drying my hair on warm. I like to start with the tension method, holding my hair taunt while angling the dryer down to force the cuticles closed until my hair is about 75% dry. Then I finish off with the round brush for added smoothness and body. I always end with a shot of cold air to each section to set the style and lock in moisture.
1. Once my hair was dry I made a "U" part in the front of my head, using the arch of my eyebrows as a guide. This was the hair I would leave out to disguise my extensions. I twisted this section of hair then pinned it atop my head in a bun.
2. For added moisture I moisturized and sealed my remaining free hair with ORS Moisturizing Hair Lotion and a dab of Hot Six Oil before braiding.

Results: I am a bit torn regarding the results of this wash day. As I detangled my hair I noticed it was a bit difficult to comb through even after conditioning twice. The dryness is gone thanks to the hot oil treatments, but now it seems I have a new issue. I am about six weeks post relaxer and already feeling some new growth, so maybe that is the cause of the tangles? This protective style was right on time and hopefully while my hair is protected I can figure out what the root cause of my hair issues is without exacerbating the problem.

How was your recent wash day?