Serious Shrinkage

Ok so this is serious...

I know that I am not alone in saying that shrinkage is the natural woman's worst enemy. I mean, black women are intellegent and powerful, we can cook, clean, and raise kids, we can build a home a pay for it. Its safe to say we can "bring home the bacon and cook it too".  As naturals we have already overcome the painful journey of accepting our whole selves and not letting the haters stop us from being the fabulous natural divas that we are! So it should be easy right? A breeze. A piece of cake...

But then we have shrinkage..   

 

Our hair can be down our backs when straightened or stretched but let us decide we need to Co-poo, our coils will be having a pow wow with our ears in a heart beat! Now I know that in my blog The ever elusive regimen (Part 2- practice) I talk about braiding down as you go along and that saves a lot of tears, but questions is: why can't I just wash and go?

 Now I have to add a disclaimer:

I love my hair and, while that has not always been true, I have reached a point in my life where I can safely complain about it without running the risk of being too rough, cutting it, or God know what else. We all need a chance to vent... right?? 

My wash and go literally turns into a TWA on the spot. I have to wash-braid-unbraid-GO just to get some definition! LOL :) Well it is what it is, I guess my curls just like being close to home.

Here are some tips to combat shrinkage:

1.          Moisturize- the more moisturized your hair is the less it will shrink. Water make my coils retreat no matter how moisturized they are so try some other water based moisturizers like:

Shea Moisture
Coconut & Hibiscus Moisture Mist

Kinky Curly
Knot Today

CURLS
Creme Brulee

2.         Braid, twist, knot!- do all that you can immediately after your co-poo session. Braid it out, twist it out, or knot it out! Bantu knot it out out, see ya twist it out out! Please play DJ UNK- Walk It Out as you do this. Trust me on this one, you will be done braiding twisting or knot-ing in a heart beat.... I feel inspired, I might make a little D-day sound track and share it with you all.

3.       BRING IT!- Just rock your shrinkage as another facet of your ever changing, ever evolving beautiful self! The best way to do it is the wear it "outted" or straightened one day, wash and wear a TWA the next day. You co-workers will be sooooo confused on how your hair went from long to short overnight and will ask you why you cut your hair, I know from experience. Hehehe.

What ever you choose to do, do it right boo boo!!! 

 Sincerely,

Luvin Life <3

The ever elusive regimen (Part 1- Products)

Hey beauties!

Relaxed or natural, straight or curly, everyone needs a steady regimen for their hair! I will try to share what I know works but this regimen is ever evolving and will not work for everyone... It works for me. Here are all the products that I use!!!

·         (All items can be purchased at Target unless otherwise noted)

Shampoo

I wash about once a month, or twice if my hair feels it needs to be washed that often. I cover my hair in virgin coconut oil then I use a concoction of Dr. Bronner's Castile soap Lavender and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Put this in a squirt bottle and gently shake. This becomes a very creamy cleanser that does not strip your hair like commercial shampoos. Also it is 100% natural! :)

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Conditioner and Deep Conditioner treatments

      I conditioner rinse or Co-poo weekly with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration  is a hot pick. Many naturals use this product and you can get it for about $6. I wet detangle with lots of conditioner because I feel I lose less hair that way so it is important that I have a good conditioner that is also inexpensive!

      

      I deep condition every two weeks. Deep conditions could be just about the most important  process in caring for natural hair. I use Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque with some added coconut oil or EVOO. I leave in the masque for some time (1hr) and then rinse. Sitting under the dryer is optional.

     

·         

Other Conditioning Treatments 

Hot oil treatments are helpful when you have extra dry hair or just need an moisture overhaul. This should be done before shampoo or co-poo. I like two different treatments:

• Warm EVOO & Honey hot oil treatment (1 vit E capsule) 
• Warm Hot Six oil & Honey hot oil treatment (1 vit E capsule)

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Daily  use and Styling Products

Shea moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus

      Please disregard the Deep Treatment Masque this is a conditioning product that I mentioned above.  

•       Curling Souffle (Agave nectar, flax seed oil)- used for styling
•       Curl Enhancing Smoothie (Coconut Oil, silk protein  neem oil)- moisture, used for sealing with the LOC method
•      Hold & Shine Moisture Mist (Organic coconut Oil, silk protein, neem oil)- Used to rejuvenate styles like twists and braids                                                                                       

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
This is the best gel on the market for natural ladies! It has several benefits:

1. Cheap, cheap, cheap! If you are on a budget you can add this to the top of your list.
2. Made with olive oil so it is ultra moisturizing
3. Great hold but will not harden and break your hair!

     

Curls - Curl Creme Brule

      When my curls and styles need a little moisture boost.  Also it smells Delish!

Smooth 'N Shine Polishing
Silk 'n Sleek Straighten Polisher and Heat Protectant
I use this product only when I am blowing out my hair. Works wonders.