My new Pre-Poo Method



My shiny, supple hair
after using a
Moisturizing Pre-Poo with honey,
olive oil and conditioner 

 I always do a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment on my hair prior to straightening it with my flat iron.  This usually means either using a conditioner that doesn't contain any protein like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose or making up my own concoction using a cheapie conditioner as my base.  I like to add oils but this is too heavy right before I use heat on my hair.

A few months ago I rediscovered a video by Patchouli85 on YouTube that explained how to use a moisture rich deep treatment before using direct heat on the hair.  The only difference was she suggests that it be done prior to washing the hair with shampoo.  This would make it a Pre-Poo and means that it goes on dry hair instead of damp hair like I was doing before.  Her recipe was pretty simple and I improvised with what I had at home.  I think that the ingredient that made the biggest difference was the honey.  I have been deep conditioning my hair at least one time each week ever since my transition days.  Using her method was the first time I noticed a huge difference in the way my hair felt as I was rinsing it out.  My hair was a lot easier to detangle and I also had a much easier time with blowdrying. 

You would think that since you wash the treatment out with shampoo, you wouldn't get the full benefit.  I'm guessing that since I'm applying it to dry hair and then using heat to open up the cuticles, my hair is absorbing the treatment so much better than before when I did it on wet hair.  When I straightened my hair after that first treatment, I could not believe the shine and how supple my hair felt.  It's been so effective that it is something I have since decided to incorporate into my weekly regimen.

                                         My Pre-Poo Recipe

Conditioner (I use Suave Naturals Coconut)

1 Tblsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tblsp Honey

1 Tblsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil  (I use Vatika Oil for this part)

**You can also add 3 Tblsp of Mayo or Cholesterol conditioner depending on what your hair needs

I combine the above ingredients in a small plastic bowl until well combined.  I use as much conditioner as I think that it will take to make sure all of my dry hair is completely saturated.  Then I separate my hair into 4 sections and apply it while it is still dry, starting at the ends.  If there is any left, I go back and coat my hair again making sure to use up all of the mixture.  I put on a plastic cap and then sit under the dryer for 30 minutes.  Then I co-wash or shampoo it out depending on what style I'm wearing next.   

New Year, New Trim



My new Stainless Steel Sheers by Conair

I was looking at my hair for the past few months and noticing that my curl pattern had gotten looser.  I knew that henna can have this effect so I added amla powder to my last few applications to prevent this from happening any further.  After wearing my hair straight twice in December, I was pretty sure that I was experiencing some heat damage.  My hair texture is thinner in the front so it always happens there first.  The rest of my hair was still curly but not as thick as before.  After using my Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner for a couple of light protein treatments, I knew that my hair, although it looked better, still needed a trim. 



My stretched hair just before
trimming the first section



I was due for a trim this month anyway so I figured why not invest in some new sheers.  I bought the stainless steel hair sheers by Conair.  I was surprised to find them in a kit that also came with a cape...COOL!  Instead of flat ironing my hair again, I decided to do the trim on stretched hair.  This method showed me that it is possible to do a trim without using heat.  I decided to go for it and take off a little more than the usual 1/8" to 1/4".  I cut a full 1/2" off of each section!  That is a whole months' growth for me but it was definitely worth it. 

Front View
Thicker, Curlier Hair with Shape

The result...MY CURLS ARE BACK!  I'm so excited because my hair has not been this thick and curly for so long.  The bangs are still pretty loose but I'm okay with that.  The other thing that decided to join the party is my crazy shrinkage.  My hair looks really short since the trim even though it's still past my shoulders in the back.  This is exciting because I didn't actually have to cut very much in order to get back where I wanted to be.  I'm still serious about achieving great lengths with my hair this year.  Now, with the trim, I have the healthy ends I need to start things off right.  







Back View
Looks short but it's still
past shoulder length



Countdown to Thanksgiving

I'm making my list and checking it twice.  We're having a few family members over on Thanksgiving which means that I have a lot on my to-do list this week.  I can't forget about my hair though.  In the past I have done curly styles for special occasions like roller sets and twist-outs.  For this Thanksgiving I'm gonna go ahead and wear it straight.  I've been participating in a couple of Growth Challenges with the ladies at K.I.S.S. and can finally take this opportunity to check my progress. 

This month I also started doing deep conditioning treatments twice a week.  This is another challenge that was started last year or the year before.   Someone on K.I.S.S. decided to get it going again.  Basically, I'm doing it for the extra moisture my hair needs during the winter months.  This week though, since I'm going to use heat on my hair, I'm probably going to make sure and do something with protein.  I have the Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor which works good but the ingredients include Mineral oil and silicones.  While I'm out buying my turkey and veggies for Thursday, I may just pick up the GPB conditioner by Aubrey Organics.  I have always liked their Honeysuckle Rose conditioner for when I need moisture so I'm pretty confident that this one will work for me as well.  Either way, I always like to prepare my hair with a deep treatment so that I won't end up damaging my curls when using heat.  Hopefully I can find the time for all the cooking and cleaning and still get dinner done on time.  Wish me luck!