Updated Natural Hair Regimen Pt. 1

Back in 2008, I started a hair series called "Hair Story" to talk about natural hair.  I've been natural since 1998 when I 'big chopped,' following a 5-month relaxer-free transition.  I shared my favorite hair care products in a few of those hair posts and I've since tweaked my regimen, so this post serves as an update.

Essential Hair Products
I've simplified my routine and hence reduced the number of products I use.  Every week, I wash (using Kinky Curly Come Clean), deep condition (using Darcy's Botanical Deep Conditioning Mask), moisturize (using Darcy's Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass Transitioning Creme), and then style.

Expanded Product Stash
Occasionally, I use Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner when there's no time to deep condition.  I use jojoba oil on my hair when wearing a blow-out. I apply Komaza Care Coconut Hair Pudding after moisturizing if I desire curlier hair.

Hair Styling Tools

I've been using the bone super rattail comb for years.  I detangle, part, style, and do everything I need with that comb.  I use a pick comb to hide my parts when wearing a twist-out.  The croc clips come in handy when styling.

Wash Day

I wash my hair without taking any pre-wash steps (no pre-poos for example).  Once my hair gets wet, it's instantly moisturized.  I then apply my shampoo to my scalp using my finger tips and allow it to work throughout the hair.  I shampoo once or twice depending on how my scalp feels and then apply my conditioner. 

The shampoo step is not pictured above, but I did and always shampoo before deep conditioning.
After applying the deep conditioner, I wear a plastic cap for 20 minutes. 

After rinsing out the deep conditioner, I loosely wrap my hair with a towel to absorb the excess water.  I then section, detangle, and moisturize (using the DB creme) my hair in preparation for a blow-out.  I apply jojoba oil after blow-drying for shine.

I've received many questions about the high-end dryer I reviewed, which is amazing.  My favorite
lower priced dryer (which I used to achieve this blow-out) is the Conair Pro Silver Bird.  I especially
love the comb attachment.  BTW, I always use a comb attachment when doing a blow-out.

Heat protectant?  No, I don't use a product marketed as a heat protectant because in my experience as
long as my hair is conditioned, which I achieve with the other products I use, then my hair is
protected when blow-drying.

Before bed, I flat-twist my hair (no additional products applied).  I use my fingers to part and add about 9 large flat twists for a loose wavy style the next day.  I apply additional moisturizer on day 3 (sooner if my hair feels dry).  Adding moisturizer will cause some shrinkage because of its water-base, but my twist-out will be much curlier like in this post.

I flat-twist my hair every night when wearing a blow-out to maintain the stretched look.

Coming next: Updated Natural Hair Regimen Pt. 2 (Rocking the fro)

Disclosure:  I have no material connections to the product companies mentioned in this post.  All of the ideas and opinions expressed are my own.