Dabney’s Hair Story

Hello readers!

I’d like to share a natural hair story from a lovely reader, Dabney:

How long have you been natural?

 

I have been natural since 1991.

 

Why did you decide to go natural?

After high school, I decided that I wanted to chop off all my hair because I was tired of trying to keep up with the hair trends. I went to college with 3 in. of hair and I was happy! My hair never got particularly long. I was more interested in curl definition. However , it once grew to chin length and then broke off. I have big chopped several times over the years, I have dyed it and braided it  as well. My biggest issue has always been severe dryness and breakage. Recently, I cut my hair off and dyed it red. I loved it until my hair started to split into tree branches. I had to big chop four inches from my 6in hair! I said that is it! I need to get my hair’s health back. When I was in Salzburg in the summer the humidity helped my hair stay moisturized and soft. I came home put it in box braids again and slowly my hair began to return.

How did you find out your hair was low porosity?

Through Pinterest I found several helpful pins on natural hair care. They helped a little but the dryness was still there. Then I came upon the theory of Porosity.I did the  porosity test and found my hair is low porosity. I was on the attack! This was the reason for the dryness!

What’s your low porosity hair care regimen?

I was using the wrong types of oils on my hair. After cleaning out my product shelf, I switched from heavy oils to light oils and liquid moisturizers that were water based. I clean my hair with a co-wash, rinse it with baking soda and water, and seal it with grape seed and wheat germ oil and voilà, moisturized soft hair! It isn’t greasy and doesn’t feel like paper!

 

Thanks Dabney, for this wonderful story and your great tips! If readers want more of Dabney’s luscious hair, you can find her on the web: http://www.youtube.com/user/Dashingdiva73/videos

If you’d like to share your story, please contact me.

 

Hair Interview: My Mom

Today, I had the honor of interviewing my Mom, who big chopped her shoulder-length relaxed hair 2 months ago.

Lovely Before

Lovely After

Why did you decide to go natural?

Three reasons: 1. I decided to get rid of the chemicals and extra expenses that come along with relaxed hair. This is not my first time going natural. The first time I went natural, I felt my hair was unmanageable, because of the length, so I decided to relax it. 2. I can work out without worrying about styling or ruining my hair. 3. These were all things I considered, but what pushed me to just do it was my niece. She has cancer and lost her hair. I cut off all my hair off to support my niece and show my solidarity.

What was your first reaction when you went natural?

I was a little shocked after I cut off all my hair. After the initial shock, I ran my hands over my hair and thought it actually felt good. I’m 57, so I was really self-conscious about my grays showing through. After a few weeks, I tired of the gray hair and colored my hair. This made me feel better about it. Now, I’m loving my hair and I refuse to go back to relaxed hair.

How did your friend’s and family react?

I received mixed reactions. Some were shocked and annoyed, others were really happy for me and loved it. My great-aunt is in her  80’s and told me that at my age, I shouldn’t cut off my hair and that my hair was my crown and glory. She told me I shouldn’t have cut off, what she considered beautiful hair to go back to nappy hair. After seeing my own beautiful daughter and niece go natural, as well as many other natural women, it inspired me to go natural as well.

What would you say to someone considering going natural?

I would encourage them to take the leap. It was the best decision I made. You will be in shock at first, but once you do it, you might ask yourself, like I did, what took me so long.

What do you love about your new hair?

It’s short and manageable. I can wash it and go. My regimen is simple and I can wash my hair when I want. My hair sheds less.

What is your regimen?

I wash my hair once per week. I  work a small amount of Indian Hemp into my wet hair– This has petroleum, so my daughter is working on getting me into some other products. Unfortunately, I have a hard time coming away from hair grease. — Next, I towel-dry my hair for 5 minutes to remove excess water. Finally, I apply a little Taliah Waajid, Kinky, Wavy, Natural Herbal Style and Shine to my damp hair. I comb it my hair out once per week.

What are your hair goals?

To have long, healthy, manageable kinky hair. I want a big Angela Davis afro!

What’s the best thing about your “new” hair?

It doesn’t cost anything to take care of my hair. I don’t have to style it for hours or use heat. I don’t miss burning myself by accident when curling or flat-ironing my hair.

 

Note from editor: I’d still love to have entries from readers. If you’d like to share your hair story, talk about your blog or write a post for the blog, please contact me— whether curly, straight or wavy, if you’d like to contribute, let me know.

Long time, no see

Hi Readers,

Just want to pop in to say hi. I know I haven’t posted in a while, but there are some posts coming up soon:

⭐Updated hair regimen
⭐Nighttime routine to maintain styles
⭐Tips for surviving the awkward stage
⭐How to develop a consistent regimen
⭐Why I choose not to henna my lopo hair
⭐Product giveaway!

Any other ideas?

Also, if you’d like your hair story, product review, DIY hair recipes, questions to readers, etc. posted on the blog, please send them per email.

Thanks to all my readers for your continued exchange, support and encouragement!

Summer Beach Curls and Reverse-Oil Rinsing

I found an easy, effective and time-saving method for styling my hair! Thanks to one of my favorite video bloggers, Naptural85. I’ll link her video for summer beach curls below. Honestly, my twists used to take me about 1.5 – 2 hours!! This time, I was able to twist my hair in 30 – 40 minutes, all while skyping on the phone with my family back home. Not bad huh? You have no idea how excited I am about a 30 minute styling session. Especially, with a little bundle on this way this winter, this is going to save me so much time!

To set my hair for the style, I divided my hair into eight sections, as Naptural does. I proceeded to wash my hair. Next, I reversed oil rinsed with Giovanni 50/50.  I put Brahmi oil on top of this and massaged it in each section. Let it marinate for about 3 minutes, then finger detangled and rinsed under a steady stream of water. I followed this with a second rinse and used Suave Almond and Shea Conditioner. I put each section in a Bantu knot.

I’m on my fourth oil rinsing trial. Well, technically, my second since I’ve changed my oil rinsing regimen. Again my hair was tangle free, soft and shiny. It also felt bouncier, probably the result of a much-needed trim.

Once out of the shower, I applied Kinky Curly Knot Today to each section (concentrating on my ends), then twisted each section. Some sections were extremely thick so I just made two twists. Once my hair was all twisted, I simply stretched and pinned it to the opposite side of my hair (see the video for more details).

In any case, I’ll be checking in throughout the week reporting on how moisturized my hair feels. I washed it on Sunday and two days later it still feels soft and hydrated. I’m hoping that this new reverse oil rinsing will produce better results than the first method.

Have you tried this style? What are your favorite, simple summer styles?

Here’s nap video isn’t she gorgeous!?!

Reader Review: Curl Assurance

Another great review from reader Natalye, big thanks for your contribution!

CURL ASSURANCE GENTLE CLEANSING SHAMPOO

Price: $20

What’s in it?

Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Glucose
Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey,
Matricaria Recuitita (Chamomile) Flower Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Brown
Rice (Oryza Sativa) Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose, Guar
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA,
Fragrance.

How did your hair respond to it?

I love, love, love Curl Junkie products. The fragrances Curl Junkie products are to die for. I love
this sulfate-free shampoo. My hair feels clean, does not strip my hair, aides in detangling and
little goes a long way. It does have thin consistency which for some may take a while to get used
to. I do use silicone products and it thoroughly cleans my hair and removes any product buildup.
Also, did I say I love the smell of this product.

 

CURL ASSURANCE SMOOTHING LOTION

Price: $30

What’s in it?

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Vegetable Glycerin, Slippery Elm
Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Simmondsia
Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol,
Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance.

How did your hair respond to it?

I use this product as a leave-in conditioner. It can be used as a rinse out conditioner. Once again I
love the scent of Curl Junkie products. This this has a vanilla-cotton candy scent. The smoothing
lotion does contain oils, but humectants are at the beginning of the list balance out the oil. I find
that my hair does well with oils if humectants are in the product base. I apply to damp hair or
light spritz hair with water. This product has excellent slip and moisturizers my hair. I like to mix
this product with Ouidad moisture lock leave-in.

Reader Review: Ouidad

Big thanks to reader Natalye for sharing her review on Ouidad’s curl product line with us!

OUIDAD CURL CO-WASH

Price: $30.00

What’s in it?
Aqua, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl
Starch Phosphate, Ricinus Communis (Castor Oil), Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Rosarinus
Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Fragrance/Parfum, Citric Acid,
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Liminene,
Methycloroisoisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

How did your hair respond to it?

The curl co-wash is a low-lathering sulfate, paraben, and silicone free cleansing conditioner. This product is marketed as co-wash but  has a cleanser in the product (Sodium Lauroamphoacetate). This product has nice slip and felt soft in my hair, but once I rinsed it out, my hair felt dry. My hair also felt weighed down and didn’t feel clean. I tried this product because of the rave reviews from other low-porosity Youtubers, which proves even though we are low-porosity our
hair is still different when it comes to what it likes and doesn’t like. My hair does not
agree with the oils in  this product.

I would not repurchase this product.

OUIDAD MOISTURE LOCK LEAVE-IN

PRICE: $23.00

What’s in it?
Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Cetearyl
Alcohol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Behentrimonium Methosulfate,
Polyquaternium-59, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Arnica
Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana
(Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) Tuna Flower Extract, Parfum
(Fragrance), Butylene Glycol, PVP, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea,
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

How did your hair respond to it?
I use this product as leave-in. I apply this on damp hair. This product provides moisture to my hair without weighing  it down. My hair feels soft and it gives my fine hair more volume. This product does contain silicones. My low porosity hair loves silicones and humectants. The only con with this product is that it does not work well with other non-Ouidad products. However, I can combine it with the Curl Junkies Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion with no
problems. I have applied other non-Ouidad products over this leave-in conditioner and I was left with a white residue.

 

OUIDAD CURL QUENCHER HYDRAFUSION INTENSE CURL CREAM

Price: $26.00

What’s in it?
Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyquaternium-37, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/
Dicaprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Decyl Oleate, Polyquaternium-11, Hydrolyzed Silk, Prunus
Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Glycine Soja
(Soybean) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Cetrimonium
Chloride, Lecithin, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Polyquaternium-46, Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl
Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, C11-15 Pareth-7,
Trideceth-6, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Quaternium-80, Benzophenone-4, Bisamino
PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol,
Citric Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, DMDM Hydantoin, Butylphenyl, Methylpropional,
Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance/
Parfum, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891)

How did your hair respond to it?

This is product is a styling cream specifically designed for tighter curls. This is my wash n go hair product. I have yet to accomplish the traditional wash n go without dry and tangled hair. I spritz my hair lightly with water before I apply it to my hair or I apply it after my leave-in conditioner. The result is soft defined curls, without the stickiness or crunch. My low-porosity hair prefers creams to gels.

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Natalye thanks again for your informative review! Has anyone else tried these products, were they a hit or miss?

If you have a product that you tried and would like to share your review, please feel free to contact me.

Wanted! Your product reviews or hair stories!

In order for this blog to be an informative resource for low porosity hair, I think it needs more diversity.

I can write about everything I do for my hair and that’s fine, but hair is unique and what works for one person may not work for all. To help others understand the characteristics of low porosity hair, it would be great to hear from you all.

If you have low porosity hair and are interested in doing a product review. Please email me your entries.

You can write about any products that you absolutely adore or that you can’t stand. Send me an email with the following info:

1. The name of the product.
2. Your opinion (was it moisturizing, did it do what it promised, did it meet your expectations)
3. On a scale of 1 -7 (1, awful – 7, fantastic) how would you rate it.
4. How you apply it.
5. Cost.

That’s all. This type of review could help others selecting products or maybe avoiding certain products.

On another note, it would also be great to get your hair stories. This can be completely anonymous, if you prefer. For more information on hair stories please click  here.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Calling All Low Porosity Beauties

Do you have low porosity hair? I want to hear your voices! If you would like to be featured on this blog, please send me an email with the following:

Subject: lopo feature

1. In 50 words or less describe yourself (such as: name, what you do, personality, hobbies).
2. Describe your hair and regimen.
3. How do you maintain healthy hair?
4. Have you any encountered challenges/problems with low porosity hair? If so what?
5. Any tips on caring for low porosity hair?

Look forward to your entries!