Color Change: Natural Blue Black

After years of brown and red shades of dye I was ready to revisit black hair. I purchased Clairol Nice n Easy Natural Blue Black from Walgreen's for my new shade. Prior to dyeing my hair I read the instructions and saw that it was not recommended to use the dye on hair that was previously treated with henna. The instructions did not say why so I had to do my own research. I came across these two articles:

Henna & Traditional Color

Hair Color Removers

I did not do the remover instead I opted to take my chances with the color over the henna.

The steps I follow for dyeing my hair include:

1. Application of the dye according to the instructions

2. Leaving the dye on for 40-45 minutes

3. Rinsing thoroughly

4. Deep conditioning for a very long time. I prefer to DC overnight

5. Styling my hair in a style that embraces the natural curl

Why?

Dye on my hair can be very drying and it can also stretch out the curl pattern. By DCing for a long time the dryness I experience is drastically decrease. Styling in a curl embraces style helps keep my curls from stretching - preventing a change in my texture. If I style correctly I will have major shrinkage and that is my sign that my curls still love me.

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

Roller Setting

I decided that since I had a little extra time with the holiday weekend to attempt my first roller set. I read on one of those hair blogs/websites that when roller setting 4abc hair, it was impossible to get smooth curls. That is my problem with the internet..you have people that have never touched your hair telling you what it can and can not do. I have had my hair long enough to know what is possible and what's not. I am here to declare that smoothness can be achieve through roller setting on 4abc hair!

Supplies:

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel

Sweet Almond oil

Spray Bottle with water/conditioner mix (for detangling)

Elastic Hair Bands

Annie Magnetic Hair Roller

Duck Bill Clips

Rat Tail Comb

Hair Brush (yep you read right)

Home Clips

Shea Butter/Coconut Oil Mix

Hair Dryer

I did my roller set on clean conditioned hair. First, I separated my hair into three sections with a column going down the middle. The column is where I started rolling. Using my rat tail comb I made smaller sections and used the hair clip to hold the rest of my hair back. For each section I detangled very well, applied Aloe Vera, and then sweet almond oil. (Note: Sweet almond oil was used because I like the shine that it gives my hair).

I used the hair brush to evenly distribute the gel and oil and also to smooth before rolling. If you detangle properly the brush will move through your length easily. I did not roll my hair straight down. I came in at an angle to encourage smoother roots. I used elastic bands for the curls within the interior of my hair but only rollers for the edges. I didn't want a lot of tension on my edges and I didn't want the indention from the band to show.

After I was all rolled up, which took about 45min-1hr(keep in mind this was my first time), I sat under the dryer until dry. If the hair is not completely dry, you will experience some reversion and frizziness, so be sure to do this on a day that you can sit for as long as needed. After removing roller wrap your hair until you are ready to take it down. I used the shea butter/coconut oil mix to apply to my curls prior to wrapping. This was an attempt to decrease frizzes.

I strongly believe that the trick to the roller set is to use a water based product that you know will give your hair some slickness and almost weigh it down. Since it's water based the weigh down will not matter because the product evaporates.

Style File: Twisted Back

This week I my classes started back so I didn't want to be bothered with my hair every night. My nights are needed for schoolwork, Bible study, and rest. Oh and some quality time with the Hubby.

This is the style I rocked for the week and its variations throughout the week:

To start off the week I twisted my hair all the way down and just opened up the twists that were loose in the ponytail.

Then, I went old school and used a sock to create my "twist out bun." I didn't bother to comb or straighten out my waves, I like how the bun had some texture. I got a lot of compliments on this look. One of the bun pics looks kinds frizzy/messy...I did smooth out the look before I walked out the house.

Finally, I had to, of course rock a puff at least once during the week. We had some rain and I love wearing my fro or puff with it humid out.

I have to give credit to PrettyDimples01 who inspired this style with her youtube video: Hair Show hairdo

How I dye my hair

***this dye job was done before I started my healthy care/growing regimen****

I wanted a light bright reddish color and because my hair is so dark and resistant to color I had to go bold. I used SoftSheen-Carson Dark & Lovely in Vivacious Red. I applied the dye to the front section of my hair and let sit for 45 mins. I know that is longer than the instructions but I also know my hair-any less would have been a waste of time. I rinsed the dye out with cool water until the water ran clear.

Then I did a co-wash with Suave Coconut conditioner all over my head but paying close attention to the recently dyed portion. After the co-wash I applied leKair Cholesterol Plus and left on for 30-40mins. Rinsed and style as usual.

I didn't want to do anything that would be strenuous on my hair after dying so I did a twist out and wore that for 4 days. The twist out allowed me to open my sunroof when I got off work and let the sun do it's magic with brightening up the color a little more. I have been dying my hair myself for years now and I finally found a routine that helps me maintain my texture and curl pattern while still giving me the color I want. Works for me!

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