My co-washing method

During the fall/winter season I only shampoo once a month and co-wash during the weeks in between shampoo days. One day I was running short on time so I applied the conditioner (Giovanni SAS) I was planning on using (for the cowash) to my hair while it was dry. The conditioner remained on for about 30 minutes before I was able to finally rinse and detangle in the shower. The results were amazing (to me) and I was convinced it was probably a fluke but I had to test it out a few more times just to make sure.

With the next few weekends that passed I did the following:
-Took down what ever protective style I was wearing that week
-Applied conditioner to my (dry) hair while putting it in four sections
-Let the conditioner sit on my hair until is was dry/stiff and then rinsed in sections
-I detangled each section with my rubber based brush (like a denman) as I rinsed
-Finally, applied a leave-in conditioner and styled as usual

This method was quick and easy. My hair was detangled, extremely manageable, and soft in the end. As a result, I am now doing the steps above with all my winter cowashes.

I love accidentally discovering great ways to revamp my regimen!

My Hair: Pre-poo (update)

I have been combining these items long enough to now provide appropriate feedback - Jasmine oil and Castor oil.

For the last few shampoos I have been pre-pooing with a 50/50 mix of Jasmine oil and Castor oil. The results after each wash have yielded extremely soft hair that did not feel anywhere close to being stripped. This mix has also helped me tolerate the intense smell of the Jasmine oil.

To do the pre-poo:

1. In a empty container I combine equal parts of Jasmine oil and Castor oil. I swirl the container to make sure the oils are mixed. Then I apply liberally all over my hair length (starting about 1/2 - 1 in from my scalp) and leave on for a minimum of 1 hour. Shampoo, condition, and style as usual.

See the tutorial below:

Shampoo Day!

First thing first....I needed to file my nails. I had some little ridges that I know would have sliced right through my strands.

Prepoo: I separated my hair (with my fingers only) in four sections and applied coconut oil to the entire length, starting about 1/2 - 1 inch from my scalp. Then I braided each section. I left this on overnight. I wore a plastic cap under a hat(for going out in public) until I was ready to wash. I love hats :)

Shampoo: I shampooed once focusing on my scalp with Suave Tropical Coconut Shampoo. I used my Roots Only applicator to apply the shampoo directly on my scalp. After shampooing I noticed that my hair was a lot softer than usual. I think the coconut prepoo had a lot to do with that.

Deep Condition: I like to do an Oil Rinse after shampooing but since I am starting the Castor Oil Challenge I didn't want to overdo it with the oils so I deep conditioned with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol that was mixed with Olive oil, Rosemary EO, and Peppermint EO.

Right now I have my hair in two braids just resting, I didn't do anything special to it.

Just apply some conditioner prior to braiding and left it alone to air dry.

Styling: I have been wanting to try this style I saw on Essence.com for a long time. I think that is will allow me to reach my scalp with oiling this week so I gave it a shot. Pics coming...

What does it mean to pre-poo?

Pre-pooing or Pre-wash is simply a pre-shampoo treatment, which is applied to the hair and/or scalp, left on for a period of time and then shampooed out. Some people like to apply oil, conditioners, or a combination of the two.
 

Benefits
Pre-poos can help protect hair from the harsh shampooing process and ingredients. The majority of the buildup we are trying to remove is really on our scalp therefore, your hair really only needs the conditioning aspect of your wash routine. Pre-pooing with oil or conditioner can help establish a barrier between the hair and the harsh detergents in the shampoo.Pre-poos also help condition the hair.

Ways to Pre-Poo
You can apply oils (warmed or not) to your hair length and/or scalp and leave on for the amount of time you find appropriate for your hair. That can range from a few minutes to overnight.

You also have the option to apply oils and conditioners to dry hair and cover with a wet towel. Similar to deep treating your hair or steaming.

And finally you can apply the product, cover with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for a few minutes. The heat really helps the hair absorb the product. This is how I like to pre-poo my hair. As a result of my recent reading about coconut oil, I am going to try that next time under the dryer.

Resources

http://www.ehow.com/how_4584486_pre-poo.html

http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2008/02/15/black-hair-care-the-benefits-of-pre-pooing/

Shampoo Day~Dec 2009

My cold weather regimen calls for shampooing once a month. I have noticed a big difference this month with my hair and how moisturized it felt the entire month. So now, I am going to clean off some of this build-up and try out the shampoo portion of my regimen.

Cold Weather Shampoo Routine:

1. Pre-poo with warmed Olive Oil
2. Shampoo with Suave Tropical Coconut Shampoo (trying to get rid of it so I can try something new)
3. Oil Rinse with Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (I will be using Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat as the conditioner for this oil rinse)
4. Final Rinse with cold water
5. Protective Style

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Co-Wash and Deep Condition

My Cold Weather Regimen calls for deep conditioning every week and shampooing once a month. This week is a co-wash week and it went like this:

→Co-wash with Giovanni Triple Tea Treat

→Rinse with warm water

→Deep Condition with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol mix*

→Rinse with Cold Water

→Detangle and Moisturize (if my hair dries while styling) with Aloe Gro

→Seal with Shea Butter Mix**

→Protective Style

The time for this entire routine usually depends on how long I DC.

*1/2 jar of Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol

1/4c Olive Oil

5 Drops Peppermint EO

10 Drops Rosemary Oil

5 Drops Tea Tree Oil

**2 parts Shea Butter

1 part Coconut Oil

1-2tbs Sweet Almond Oil