Successful technique for doing a pre-poo on low porosity hair

I’ll preface this by saying: My hair was blown out and flat ironed when I did this treatment. While on vacation in the States, I decided to have my hair done by my hairdresser. I returned home a couple of weeks ago and life has been very busy. Alas, that flat ironed hair, lasted me 3 weeks– I know, I know, way too long without a wash, but I’ll admit, I did enjoy not bothering with my hair for such a long time– My hair was a bit dry and dirty, definitely in need of a cleanse. Since I’m always deep conditioning, I decided to pre-poo my hair, so I could skip stepping out of the shower, deep conditioning and going back into the shower to rinse.

My first pre-poo consisted of me applying oil to my hair and plopping on a plastic cap. I noticed a bit of sheen, but didn’t really notice a major different in my hair’s overall condition. This time, I decided to do a hot oil/ deep condition pre-poo.

1. I combined different oils that all have beneficial properties: coconut (70%), jojoba (10%), cupuaca (10%) butter, argan oil (10%).
2. I used about 1/4 cup of all combined. Placed the oil in my DIY pyrex dish double boiler and warmed them over medium heat.
3. I added a sprig of rosemary to the oils, as it has healing properties, invigorates the scalp, promotes growth and smells just heavenly. Once warmed, I applied this to my hair from root to tip, paying special attention to my ends. I also applied a small amount to my scalp and massaged my head.
4. I was generous with the amount applied to my ends and applied a light layer to the rest of my hair.
5. Next, I put conditioner on the ends of my hair on top of the oil. Sat under a hooded dryer, with a plastic cap on my head, for about 30 minutes. I then proceeded to shampoo with a gentle sulfate-free cleanser and then condition.
6. Finally, I moisturized with a leave-in and did my usual styling routine (i.e. twists and sat under the dryer to let the moisture seep in).

What I noticed:

• my hair didn’t feel stripped when I shampooed it.
• my hair melted into the conditioner and detangling was not difficult.
• my hair was shiny after washing, but the next day when it was completely dry it was even shinier.
• day three hair is still shiny and so soft. I need to keep my hands out of my head though, definite case of HIH (hands in hair) syndrome.
• My twist out is not as defined as usual, but I’m okay with that. I’ll trade anything for health and shine.

Moral of the story, low porosity hair needs, heat for products to absorb.

*** hair pinned back for my job interview, but I’m still loving the sheen!***

   
  

Updated Regimen

So, I added this information to my “regimen page”, but thought I’d just take a moment to chat with you, as I’ve been MIA lately. I’m still experimenting with skipping my leave-out. However, this is only when I do rhassoul clay treatments or use my slippery elm mixture to condition my hair. These products tend to leave me with moisturized hair. So I find that just sealing in the moisture with an oil, is enough for my hair.

Another practice I’ve added to my regimen, that I’m very excited to share with you is deep conditioning on dry hair. I LOVE this method. Not only does it save me time, but I feel it also gives my hair a kick of moisture. Per usual, I divide my hair into four sections and work a moisturizing conditioner into each section. Concentrating on my ends and detangling as I go along. If I’m feeling fancy, I might throw in some honey and oil for an extra moisturizing deep conditioner. I then, put on a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 20-30 minutes. The conditioner that I use, must have water as the first ingredient. I feel that deep conditioning on dry hair, allows me to maximize my use of the conditioner. When the hair is wet the conditioner, slips off or gets diluted, this method encourages my hair to absorb the product.

Finalls, I hop in the shower and shampoo the areas of my  hair and scalp prone to buildup (while the conditioner is still in my hair). I rinse this out after and then use another slippery rinse out conditioner to do the rest of the detangling job. This method cuts down on a lot of time for me and I really enjoy it.

Have any of you ever condtiioned on dry hair?

Oil Rinsing and Shopping in My Medicine Cabinet

Lately, I’ve been super fast on wash day. Having a child, has made me one of the most effective people, time-wise. Time flies when you’re raising a life, so I generally try to structure my day to get as much done as possible. I know my grocery store inside-out and can do a week’s worth of shopping in under 20 minutes. #Putmeonsupermarketsweep!

Any way, gone are the days of my 3-4 hour-long wash days. They are now generally 45 minutes to an hour. I either use my mudwash or shampoo (see my recent post on a shampoo product review), then condition my hair with a light, slippery conditioner. Lately, that has been Trésseme Naturals. I then apply oil (e.g. grapeseed oil) on each section of my conditioned hair, concentrating on my ends (voilà: reverse oil rinsing). Next I rinse the conditioner and oil, leaving a small amount in my hair for added slip. I apply a rinse out conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes (voilà deep conditioner) and go on with my shower rituals.

I notice my hair melts like butter at this phase of my wash regimen. Especially, with the “new” conditioner that I’ve used lately. That conditioner is Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner. I’ve had this product in my cabinet for over a year, but didn’t give it much thought. I’m not sure if it’s because I oil rinsed before applying it to my hair.  However, all I can say is that my hair feels so soft and luscious when this touches my strands. I’m almost in disbelief. My hair seems to also stay moisturized for days after.

So there you have it readers, this is the conditioner that I’ve fallen in love with for the moment.

The scoop on Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating-Calming Conditioner

Claim: Promises to add moisture, shine and manageability as well as smooth frizz. That claim is true, it did all the above for my hair. In fact, the moisture and shine stayed with me for days.

Texture: Very thick, creamy and buttery in consistency.

Lather: Excellent, I love a conditioner that lathers nicely, helps me with detangling.

Smell: Soft, somewhat floral, but not overpowering.

Price: It’s  on the pricier side, about $8.00 for 8.5 ounces. However, as stated earlier, a little goes a long way.

Negatives: While I love Giovanni products and their modern sleek look, this bottle is not effective for getting out all the conditioner. Don’t get me wrong, I will be adding water to it and shaking it up until I get every last drop out of it. Although, I do wish more and more manufacturers would just start making upside down bottles. Just sayin’…

Have you ever tried this conditioner? Or any other Giovanni products? What conditioner are you in love with at the moment?

Have a great Sunday everyone!

 

Reverse Oil Rinsing: Round 3

A reader commented a few weeks ago that she tried oil rinsing and had great results the first day, but that things went downhill shortly after. Another reader made an insightful suggestion that it could be that adding oil to your hair without any moisture, makes moisturizing challenging. This comment really stuck with me. However, I couldn’t give up on oil rinsing just yet. As I said, I want to give it a few weeks to a month, before I give my opinion. Still, what this reader said made a lot of sense, so I decided to switch things up a bit and reverse the order of my oil rinsing method.

1. Divide hair into 3 – 4 sections.
2. Shampoo or wash hair as usual.
3. Apply your favorite conditioner (my choice last week was Aussie Moist) – do not rinse out.
4. Apply your favorite oil on top of the conditioner and work into your hair – do not rinse out.
5. Deep condition (preferably with heat) for 30 minutes.
6. Rinse out the oil and conditioner. Condition your hair a second time (it will melt in your fingers), if you’re like me, rinse about 60% – 70% of the conditioner.

Results: soft, shiny, defined coils and curls.

I’ll try this method for my next two washes and let you know how it goes. This time, I did blow-dry my hair and wear it pulled up the entire week. I blow dried so I can give myself a trim. I’m really bad at trimming my hair curly, unless I cut it while it’s in twists. I cut off 1 1/2 inches of hair, but it feels better.

Actually, I really need to wash my hair, it has been just over a week. However, I’ve been really busy, so don’t think I’ll get around to it until this weekend.

How do you trim your hair? Any tips?

Lo-Po’s BFF: Healthy Heat

As mentioned in an earlier post, there are certain techniques that have worked remarkably on my low porosity hair. Three of the techniques I listed were: warm conditioners, deep conditioners with heat and warm water rinses. They all have one thing in common: the use of heat. Heat is a friend of low porosity hair.  I don’t mean flat-iron or curling iron heat, but using a little steam and heat during your cleansing routine. Remember, the trick with this hair porosity is slightly lifting the cuticle to welcome moisture into our hair shaft.

I used to baggy for days. For those of you who aren’t familiar with baggying, it’s basically, leaving a plastic cap on your hair for several hours or overnight and using your body heat to provide a deep conditioning effect. This did nothing for my hair, but make it mushy and limp.

What helps me in my deep conditioning process is using heat and steam.

1. Warm conditioner

Squeeze conditioner in a container, place the container in a sink of hot water for about 10-15 minutes and apply the conditioner to your hair. This can help lift your cuticles and moisturize your hair.

2. Rinse your hair with warm, not lukewarm or cold water.

Cold water rinses are all the rave, because they seal the cuticle and impart shine. This may work for most people, but for low porosity hair, this just locks out moisture. Before you condition your hair, wet it with warm/very warm — not hot, water.

3. Deep condition with heat

Sit under your steamer if you’re lucky enough to have one. I use a soft bonnet dryer. I apply my deep conditioner, cover it with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 30 -40 minutes. If you don’t have a dryer or steamer, simply use a towel. Wet it with very warm water, wring out about 50 percent of the water, wrap it around your hair and cover your hair with a plastic cap or bag for about 10 – 15 minutes.

4. Another tip that I forgot to mention is applying a medium amount of heat after applying a leave-in to your hair. When I style my hair, I apply a little heat from my blow dryer for about 15 minutes. This helps my hair absorb the leave-in or light oils that I use.

Remember, for low porosity hair, heat during the conditioning phase is key.

How do you condition your hair, what tips and tricks work for you?

Upcoming Posts:

Rhassoul Clay Lo-Po BFF ( I will discuss how I apply it and show pics of my results)

LoPo’s Frenemies: Kimmaytube Leave-In, cold water/vinegar rinses and heavy oils

Check out: My regimen