My Hair Care Regime

Charis said... Your SL's are so beautiful. They seem so shiny and healthy. Do you really just shampoo and go? I've been SL'd for almost 2 years, retightening myself, etc. I was considering using oils, hot oil treatments, etc., but your hair is making me reconsider some things. What is your hair care regime?

Much thanks! All of you have left such uplifting compliments!

I did a post back in February (my how time flies) about Daily Care in the Beginning. But I guess I should give a current "state of the union" on what I actually do now.

(These are my freshly washed, unstyled Sisterlocks. I used Nature's Gate Herbal Shampoo and lightly blow dried my locks. I did not use the SL Moisturizer I've become fond of.)

It's worth noting:

• I've had SLs for 4.9 years
• My locks are small/micro and number about 320 +/-
• Retighten myself
• My hair is soft and fine
• I have at least two different textures

Washing -- How Often?
I wash my hair once a week in the shower (sometimes twice). I have one of those removeable, snake armed shower heads. Although I don't have to, I still braid (but don't band) my hair into four sections because it's easier to manage.

Shampoos?
Right now I alternate between:

• Aveda Hair Detoxifier (about once a month, in a spray bottle diluted with water)
• Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo (used only occassionally because it feels as though it tangles my locks.
• Carol's Daughter Tui Herbal Shampoo & Nature's Gate Herbal Shampoo. I combine these last two in a spray bottle, diluted with water. This one is my favorite concoction of the moment. I love how they smell together.

I wet my locks under the shower than spray each section with shampoo. When I feel like I need a really "good" shampoo, I'll unbraid each section one at a time and spray on more shampoo; squeezing, not rubbing. Even if I don't do this, I will unbraid each section to rinse -- VERY thoroughly.

Moisturizing
I have only recently begun using the Sisterlocks Moisturizer. Between the winter cold and the indoor heat, I felt like my locks needed a little something. I like the product, but I don't think I need to use it all the time. When I do, I apply it to my locks before they dry, as directed.

Drying
I gently squeeze my locks to get out excess water and then wrap them up in a Turbie Twist. You can get these at almost any major drug store chain or the Aquis brand at Bed Bath & Beyond.

I like to let my locks air dry, which they do dry rather quickly. (A benefit of not having thick hair?) Sometimes, if I'm in a hurry, I'll speed the process along with a light blow drying.

Styling
I could stop right here if I'm wearing my locks freestyle. But alas, now that I have styling options I use them: Soft Spikes, Caruso Steam Rollers or a regular old braid or twist out. I like having fun with my hair.

It's worth noting that my hair seems to shine more when I do a braid or twist out. I don't know why. I don't use any setting lotion other than water. Perhaps its just a trick of the light.

In between washes I'll spritz my locks with plain old water with a drop of my favorite scented oil, or diluted rose water for fragrance.

At Night
I also cover my locks at night with my L.B. Soc. I started off with the original (in black of course) but out grew it; so Denise sent me a really long one. If I outgrow that, I'll have locks "down to there". LOL.

Thanks to Ms. Brunsli, I ordered the Dread Sock. (Okay, I won't blame Brunsli for this one. I guess I'm a sucker for eye candy. Check out the instructional video on the site and you'll know what I mean.)

To be honest though, I don't like the Dread Sock as much as the L.B. Soc. The L.B. Soc is open on the bottom (Dread Sock completely encloses the locks) and I prefer to let my locks breathe. I want to protect without suffocating.

Happy Easter!