Updated Hair Regimen and Products List

I was looking through my blog the other day and noticed that I still had my old regimen from Fall of 2010 up.  There were lots of products listed that I haven't used in ages so I figured it was time to update it.  Here is my current regimen and products list.  I may make some changes (I always do) but this is what is working for me right now.

NOTE: where products are bulleted I just use one of the items listed

Pre-Cleanse

I part my hair in 4 sections and apply conditioner prior to cleansing with shampoo or conditioner.  This helps to stretch out my shrunken hair and remove any shed hairs.  This step also helps with detangling.

Shampoo-1-2 times per week

• Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo 
• TheraNeem Naturals Moisture Therapy Shampoo (sulfate free)
• KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo
• Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo

Co-wash-1-2 times per week

• Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner
• Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

Rinses-After Shampoo

• Oil Rinse-I use grapeseed, olive or coconut oil.  I sometimes do this in place of deep conditioning.  This step also helps with detangling.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (ACV)-I do this step after using shampoo to help my hair get back to a normal pH.  I either do the rinse before or after applying conditioner

Detangling Method

I detangle while my hair is soaking wet and saturated with conditioner.  The hair is parted in four sections.  I start by finger combing and then use a denman brush on each section.  I do this 2-3 times per week when wearing wash n' go's or once per week if wearing stretched styles.

Deep Conditioning Treatments* 1x per week 

• Hot Oil Treatment with Coconut, Olive or Grapeseed Oils
• Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture conditioner with Honey or Olive Oil added

 *I do most of my treatments under a hooded dryer for 40 minutes

Moisturizers*

• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• Aloe & Veg. Glycerin Spray (homemade)
• Paul Mitchell "The Conditioner" Leave-in
• Garnier Fructis Leave-in (for heat styling)
• Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme

To Seal Ends*

• Coconut Oil mixed with Castor Oil
• Olive Oil
• Shea Butter
• Grapeseed Oil

*I apply Leave-in conditioner after each wash for moisture.  After that I moisturize when needed.

Curl Definers

•  Eco Gels-The Pink version and Argan Oil (red)
• Kinky Curly Curling Custard
• Curls Unleashed Take Command Curl Defining Creme (trial)

*I always use my Paul Mitchell The Conditioner Leave-in under a curl definer for added softnes and moisture

Styling*

Roller Sets, Curly Braidouts,  Wash n Go's, Puffs, Buns, Banded Ponytails, Flat Twists, French Braids

*Currently taking a long break from heat styling

Henna-Once every 3 months

I have started doing the 2 step Henna/Indigo process which gives me a natural black tone  

What I add to my Henna mix

• Green Tea and Water (enough to make it the right consistency)
• Olive Oil (usually add this right before application)
• Lemon Juice (when I want more color)

I sometimes add powder to darken the hair and maintain curls.  For my Indigo mix I only add water and a little salt.  For each step (henna & indigo) I make sure to co-wash after rinsing out.  This helps to keep the hair soft.