Red Hair

OMG, I dyed my hair. I've always wanted to color my hair but I was worried about drying out my hair and breakage. I also worried about ruining my curl pattern.  But, I've always wanted red hair. Always. I didn't want just any red, I wanted what I like to call PHOENIX RED. I hope you can hear the drama and echo in my voice as you read 'phoenix red'. The last year has been the most challenging and painful; so, by the time I was ready add color to my hair, I felt like a phoenix who had risen from the ashes of turmoil and despair!!! (cue more drama and a slight echo)

I am happy to say that I am 100% obsessed with my hair. New hair means I would have to make a few changes to my routine. I started using Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo and Conditioner, by OGX. (CVS $7.99 ea) and the Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Intense Moisturizing Treatment, by OGX. (CVS $8.29)

I have to say that I am really impressed with these products. The shampoo cleanses my hair without stripping it and the conditioner leaves my hair incredibly soft. In addition to leaving my hair really soft, the conditioner has excellent slip for detangling. The Argan oil intense moisturizing treatment is a wonderful bonus to the shampoo and conditioner. It promises to restore shine and softness while strengthening your hair. I feel like it's delivering on that promise so far. I love how my hair feels when I'm done washing it and the shine really is incredible.

For styling purposes, I am still in love with Shea Moisture products.

 I apply the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave in Conditioner (Target $10.99) followed by Coconut Hibiscus Curl Style Milk (Target $9.99) and I seal it with coconut oil. Of course, if you don't like coconut oil, feel free to use any oil of your choice. I then let my hair air dry and little manipulation and let the magic happen.

So far, I'm happy with my routine and I am loving my hair.

Random photo, just 'cause I'm feeling myself in this one. lol

                             

My Hair Routine

Some of you have been asking me about my hair routine and so I've decided to post about it. It's pretty simple and I don't see it changing anytime soon. Mainly because I am in love with the products I use.

First note, before I wash my hair, I rub my mix of olive oil and rosemary oil (pictured in the water bottle) on my scalp and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

Now, I'm going to describe what I do to my hair after I've washed and conditioned it because, well there's nothing special about washing and conditioning my hair. It is what it is. BUT, I will tell you, I do not co-wash ever. I know, shocking. I believe the purpose of shampoo is to clean the scalp and conditioner is for conditioning the hair. I will save the debate about shampooing versus co-washing for another post that will never happen.

 The Ingredients

First, I divide my hair down the middle and keep one section to the side in a loose ponytail. I only wrap a rubber band around my hair once. That usually keeps it out of the way. Then I divide my hair into 3 or 4 sections, depending on the volume I want for the next day. In the case of this post, I divided my hair into 4 sections.

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coco Curls

I then mix equal parts of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coco Curls together, rub it between my palms and coat my hair. After my little mix has blended into my hair, I add some flax seed gel. I continue this process until I have 4 braids. I then move on to the other side of my head.

(Note: my hair dries rather quickly, so I re-wet my hair with a spray bottle of water.)
  
The Braids

I never braid my hair tightly, only loose braids will do. You can see the unbraided curls match the curl pattern in my final look. I only braid my hair enough to maintain and protect my curls while I sleep. I do not want to stretch my curls.

The Turbie Twist

Finally, if I have to go to sleep, I cover my head with my Turbie Twist. This is only if I wait too late to wash my hair. I prefer to air-dry my hair for at least 4 to 5 hours before going to sleep.

When I wake up, I gently take out my braids, give my head a few shakes (maybe a part on the side) and go.

The Finale

That is all. No seriously.