What's Your FALL Regimen?

With Autumn around the corner, will you adjust your hair care regimen?  If so, what changes will you make?  Longer protective styles?  Fewer washes? ...

Loo's SUMMER Regimen
�Prepoo, Wash, and DC every 1-2 weeks
�Airdry
�Twist every 2-3 weeks
�Moisturize weekly

Loo's FALL Regimen
�Prepoo, Wash, and DC every 2-3 weeks
�Airdry
�Twist every 3-4 weeks
�Moisturize weekly

Kojic Acid: Natural Alternative against Hyperpigmentation

Mushroom extract.  Used effectively to lighten dark spots.

MORE ABOUT KOJIC ACID
WEBMD ON KOJIC ACID #1
WEBMD ON KOJIC ACID #2

Twist Series: Maintenance I

It's official!  The twist series has begun.  Today, I start by answering some of your questions.  The remaining questions will be answered in the weeks to come ...  Feel free to continue adding more questions/comments.

How long do you keep yours in?
2-3 weeks. I no longer keep them in for 4 weeks at a time since my current lifestyle requires that I look more "polished".

How many twists do you make?
About 40 twists on average.  Sometimes 30, sometimes 55.

How large do you make them?
Medium to large. Sometimes I make them small. I no longer do jumbo since they don't last as long. I haven't had time for micro/mini twists since my last set.  (My micro twists can be seen here.)

What products do you use?
On twist day, I start off with a Coconut Oil prepoo, followed by a wash with Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree, followed by deep conditioning with Lekair Cholesterol. I then detangle before rinsing the conditioner. I airdry about 80-90% of the way in plaits. Then I apply a homemade Whipped Shea Butter to my whole head and begin twisting. (The whipped shea butter recipe can be found here.)

Do you do any daily/weekly/monthly maintenance?
Yes. I wear a satin scarf or bonnet nightly to keep the twists moisturized and intact. Before putting on the scarf/bonnet, I put my twists into a french roll or three big twists. (No bobby pins, ouchless bands, or anything; just hair.)  Weekly, I spritz my hair with a little water ... just enough to make it slightly damp and no more than that. Then I reapply the whipped shea butter and wrap my hair with a satin scarf. If it is a wash week, I may redo the perimeter of my twists.

How do you keep your ends moisturized?
I spritz water and apply whipped shea butter weekly (unless it's a wash week). I then follow up by wrapping my hair with a satin scarf until it dries ... otherwise, it'll be frizz galore. Before wrapping my hair, I put my twists in a french roll or three big twists.

How often do you shampoo/condition your hair while it is twisted up?
About 1x every 1-3 weeks, depending on the season. I tend to wash more frequently in the summer versus the rest of the year. I tend to wash more frequently if I've been sweating or if my hair is extremely parched.

Silk Amino Acids - Smooth and Shimmery Hair

What comes to mind when someone says "silk"?  Smooth.  Shimmery.  Soft.  Shine.  Well, imagine bringing all these characteristics to your hair.  How?  Silk amino acids (SAAs).

SAAs are hydrolyzed from silk protein and help to impart smoothness and shine to the hair and skin.  In the hair care community, they are a popular addition to leave-ins and deep conditioners.  In the skin care community, they may be added to lotions and moisturizers to achieve silky skin.

SAAs are on my 2011 wish list, so unfortunately, I do not have a personal review to share with you all.  However, the following links are good places to start for anyone interested in experimenting with SAAs:

ABOUT SILK AMINO ACIDS
BUYING SILK POWDER
BUYING LIQUID SILK (contains preservatives)

Type 4 Series: Styling Fine/Thin Hair

This is a series on how to style and manage type 4 hair healthily. It doesn't matter whether you are natural, transitioning, or stretching relaxers.

Today's topic: Styling fine/thin hair

Tip #1: Use conditioners that leave a protective layer behind after rinsing.

Though my hair is super dense, I have some fine/thin strands, particularly in the back of my head.  When it comes to styling that section, I find that it is best to start with a protective or volumizing conditioner.  My favorite is LeKair Cholesterol Plus Strengthening Conditioning Cream, which I use as a deep conditioner every 3-4 weeks.  When on a time crunch, I use V05 Volumizing Conditioner with Collagen Extra Body for 5-10 minutes.  Such conditioners coat the fine/thin strands and prepare them for the rigors of styling.

DIY conditioner options: Egg & mayonnaise; egg & olive oil; egg & avocado.

More tips coming soon ...

Twist Series: Your Questions

I'm considering doing a short series on "Twists and Length Retention".  Twists, while not for everyone, have helped me achieve hair goals I never thought I would.  If you are interested in learning more, leave a question/comment below in the comments section.  Thank you!

Countdown to MBL Update

Despite a salon setback months ago, MBL is in sight (or already here?).  This length check was taken the first week of August 2010.  It is further proof that black hair can grow.

So what helped me reach this goal?

� Staying DIY (do-it-yourself)
� Coconut oil prepoos
� Leaving my hair alone (i.e., protective styling 2-4 weeks at a time)
� Regular detangling (not too frequent and not to seldom)
� Twists galore

Reaching WSL is next on my list!