Detangling Tips

I don't like to detangle. There have been days (in the past) that I cut out a section of hair just because it was "too tangled." Detangling is the part of my washing process that I dread the most.

So for year I have been on the mission to make this process as smooth as possible. I have found that prevention is the key! (like with most things in life).

So my process goes like this:

When applying my prepoo mix I lightly finger comb if my hair is loose enough

While shampooing (in sections) I start detangling with my fingers and if my hair allows I may even bring in the shower comb at this step. This is done under running water.

Then while applying my conditioner I am constantly detangling and using the shower comb to evenly distribute the conditioner. By the time I get to this step I hardly have any detangling to do. Basically I am taking steps to prevent tangles from reforming.

When I am rinsing out the conditioner (under running water) I am constantly combing through my hair with the shower comb. At this point the comb glides through with no problem. :)

Once each section is rinsed I neatly plait the section to prevent detangling.

When styling my hair I make sure that each section I style stays detangled while I am twisting, braiding, plaiting, etc.

The most successful detangling (for me) happens when I incorporate detangling at each step of my regimen. I experience little to no breakage as a result of not having to "fight" my hair.

Get it sleek...

To answer a frequently asked question...

First, do whatever it is that you do to pull your hair back in a pony tail. I typically create my ponytails in the shower under running water.

Second, mist hair lightly with the mist of your choice. Usually I just use plain ol' water.

Third, smooth back your hair with your hand or brush (if you use them). I use a 100% soft boar bristle brush.

Fourth, apply shea butter like you would if it were a gel. Smooth it on and in a backwards motion.

Fifth, smooth it again just you did in the third step. At this point you can determine if you need more shea butter or more misting.

Last, secure with a scarf until you are ready to walk out the door. I like to secure for a minimum of 15 mins - which is usually the drive time to my destination.

Note: the shea butter works great alone on my hair but some may find they they need something heavier like a gel or something lighter like coconut oil. Listen to your hair.

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.

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

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

Flat Two Strand Twists

I get a lot of "How do you do that" questions about the flat twists. I thought about making a tutorial...but then I found one. This vid is exactly how I do my twists, so I hope this helps anyone trying to learn.

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.