Jumping on the Sulfate-Free Bandwagon

My scalp has been really dry lately. I mean really dry, and flaky. I tried a few things.. Head & Shoulders (which was probably drying my scalp out even more in retrospect), oiling my scalp, clarifying (thinking I must have had a lot of product build-up), etc.

I decided to give one last thing a try: going sulfate-free. I went to the pharmacy this morning and bought Live Clean's Fresh Water Moisturizing Shampoo. Live Clean is an all-organic Canadian brand, whose product line looks amazing (including Argan Oil, Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo, etc.). I don't really have any results to report yet since I'm still under the dryer. I can say that it smelled heavenly though, and my hair didn't dry out as it usually does when I'm putting in my rollers.

After a few uses, I'll write a review.

Wash Day

ORS Replenishing DC + Applicator Brush

I practiced relaxing today, using deep conditioner. I am going to attempt to self-relax next week, and I really can't afford a disaster, so I need all the practice I can get. I used an applicator brush that I bought at the BSS for $2. I think I might use my hands (wearing gloves) though. I think I'd prefer to feel what I'm doing. I will definitely continue deep conditioning this way though. It was a really thorough treatment!

My hair after DCing for 30 mins with heat

I rollerset on burgundy rollers, then flat ironed (flipping my wrist to curl it at the same time, for some body).

December 11 - Wash Day

I washed my hair on Friday.

1) Prepooed with EVOO; I definitely need to increase my prepooing time. I've only been leaving it on for a few minutes, but I need to increase that to at least half an hour. I'm not even sure it's beneficial right now.

2) First wash was with Head & Shoulders Refresh. I'm really loving this shampoo. It has naturally-sourced mint in it. It leaves my scalp with a really nice tingling feeling.

3) Second wash was with Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo. I'm not feeling particularly attached to this shampoo yet. I'm also not a big fan of the price.

4) Deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing Deep Conditioner. This is the first deep conditioner I've ever used, so when the bottle is done, I intend on trying something different. I'm sure there's something better out there for me.

5) Conditioned with Aussie Moist. Detangled as I was rinsing out the conditioner.

6) Applied Herbal Essences LTR Leave-in, followed by coconut oil.

7) Rollerset withburgundy-purple magnetic rollers, and some orange ones towards the front.

Fresh Rollerset

I slept with a satin bonnet. I didn't really do anything to try to maintain the style for the next day. I had been unsuccessful with pincurling in the past, so I didn't bother trying again. Big mistake - My style really was not maintained for the next day. The following night, I decided to give it a second whirl. I was pretty happy with the results.

Result of Pincurling

I received my FHI platform late last week. So far I've only used it on my bangs, since I was wearing braidouts last week (it's extremely humid, and also, I am 9.5 weeks post-relaxed). Tonight I'll finally be testing it out on my whole head of hair, despite the humidity.

First thing this morning, I applied some coconut oil to my hair and scalp. Then I washed with Head & Shoulders. I did a quick protein treatment using Motions CPR (left on for about 3 mins while in the shower), then deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing conditioner for 20 minutes under the dryer.

I'm out of Herbal Essences LTR leave-in, so for the first time, I applied Neutrogena Triple Moisture leave-in to my wet hair and proceeded to air dry. At about 80% dry, I put in a bit of coconut oil. My hair is about 90-95% dry now, but I'll only be flat ironing much later in the evening. Since it's so humid, I'll probably do a light mist of Keracare Oil Sheen with Humidity Block over my head so that I don't poof up too much on my way to and from work. I'll definitely post pictures of my results tomorrow evening.

Wash Day Pics

1. Prepoo-ed with coconut oil




2. First lather with Aussie Moist Shampoo. Second lather with Head & Shoulders. Applied Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor. Let sit for about 7 minutes. Rinsed. Then deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing Conditioner under hooded dryer for about 25 mins.



3. After rinsing out conditioner, applied Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In throughout my hair. Then evenly distributed Chi Silk Infusion throughout the hair. 4. Set in rollers for about an hour and 15 minutes under hooded dryer.




5. Removed rollers. The bottom of my hair wasn't fully dry, so I pin-curled the sections that weren't yet dry enough to hold the curl. Went to bed wearing a satin bonnet.




6. In the morning, I applied some NTM leave-in, and a little bit of Chi Silk Infusion for some shine and to seal.




Tonight I'll very loosely cross-wrap my hair. In the morning, I'll apply some more NTM Leave-In and just a touch of Chi Silk Infusion. Thursday, I'll try to deep condition again.