Back to the Basics: 2011 Natural Hair Game Plan

I feel like I have this here hair process down pack. I’m no stranger to the time and attentiveness it takes caring for natural hair, but more than ever I am confident in how I maintain my hair. Now that I have my scalp situation under control, I’m excited for the predictability of my hair. For the past three weeks, my hair has responded well to my simple yet through routine. This is perfect as my life has just sped up, and the responsibilities and activities have exponentially increased. So for now and going forward, seeing as my routine is solidified, my hair will continue to take a backseat to my running schedule, intellectual grind, social activities and entrepreneurial endeavors. Without further ado, here is my 2011 Back to Basics Weekly Hair Plan:

1. Cleansing: My main focus has been to find a way to maintain the health of my scalp without having to wash multiple times a week. Through trail and error I have found the best thing to do is to apply coconut oil on my scalp the night before a wash, lightly message my scalp, then on wash day I shampoo with KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Moisturizing Shampoo. Once a month I will do a combination of the brown sugar scalp scrub followed by a bentonite treatment.
2. Condition Hair: After each wash I condition my hair for 30 minutes with a regular cheap conditioner, making sure to not get any on my scalp.
3. Leave in Conditioner: After rinsing out the conditioner, apply my trusty leave-in conditioner (KCKT) and twist using the a little bit of Shea Butter and Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  This is ultimate perfection when it comes 7 days of shiny, soft, and supple hair.
4. Detangling: I have noticed when I keep my hair stretched in twists or a braid-out, detangling comes much easier. Typically I detangle in the shower prior to washing, applying a little condition to a section, passing a comb through it, and then twisting up. I’ve tried finger detangling only, and can say it is work the time and effort. Although I do luv my Shower Detangler and Denman Paddle Brush, I haven’t had the need to pick them up in weeks. I will continue to finger detangle but will still keep them around.

That wraps up my weekly hair plans. With predictability of the hair will come results. For the sake of time, I will also participate in Loo’s 3in6 hair challenge. The premise of the challenge is to become consistent (my middle name) to retain length. If the hair grows 0.5 inches a month, in 6 months that will be 3 inches retained. Her guidelines are as follows:

1. Eat fresh fruits and veggies
2. Take a daily multivitamin
3. Drink lots of water
4. Wear twists or braids for 2-4 weeks at a time
5. No direct heat
6. Pre-poo with coconut oil for 20 minutes
7. No trimming

Looking at this makes my smile. I have everything down pack except #2. I have a weird aversion to medicine taking in pill form, meaning most times I forget to take the pills and when I do, must literally choke ‘em down. Not cute lol. I won’t be taking a multivitamin in pill form, but I’m going to speak to my doctor and see if I need a multivitamin based on my diet, and if so if there is something I can take in liquid form. Other than that, looks like I am ready to go! I will however keep twists in for 2 weeks instead of 4, but will still wash once a week. I *might* also build the nerve to a twist out. I’m a tried and true braid out girl, but lately I’ve been inspired to recreate these beautiful stretched styles:

Until next time loves!

♥ Chinye