My Hair Faourites!

My hair is one of my favourite features. It's curly, wild, sexy and always fun! It is very versatile and in GREAT shape. The fact that it is super healthy is not just genetics, but the result of a LOT of work. Many, MANY people ask me what I do to maintain it's spirals and shine, and I'm here to go over my routine and favourite products.

Daily Routine:
I wake up at 5am daily and head immediately for the shower. I like to soak myself in hot water for a few minutes, but try to avoid using it on my hair. It is VERY important to wash your hair in warm water, NOT hot!! It will strip the natural, health oils your scalp produces. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me! Your hair needs some oil to remain healthy! :)

Step One:Washing
~I begin by saturating my hair with warm water. I have 3 methods of washing that I go between.

*I usually do what's called a co-wash. Basically, I use NO shampoo, just conditioner. Applying it from root to tip, I let it sit for approx 2 minutes while I wash my body. Then, adding a bit more of warm water, I massage my scalp with the PADS of my fingers. NOT the nails, the pads! Working it into a semi-lathery state, I then rinse with warm water.
*Once a week I use No-Poo by Deva Curl. It's a nice, smooth, pleasantly scented Non-Sulfate Shampoo alternative. Massaging it into your roots, I wet with warm water and then rinse. Much like Shampoo, minus the lather.
*And about once or twice a month, if my hair feels heavy or sticky (or if I've used some extreme styling products, such as a lot of gel or hairspray) I will use ACTUAL shampoo. I only use it on my roots though, never the ends.

Products:
Co-wash Favourites:
-Loreal Ever Strong Sulfate Free Conditioner (Smells nice! Rosemary and Mint! Thick and rich texture, but refreshing! Perfect for the morning!)
-Suave Tropical Coconut (Mmmmm! Like a slice of heaven! Not too thin, not too thick! And it's in their "Natural" line!)


Step Two:Conditioning
~After washing, I use a deep, moisturizing conditioner. I apply from my ears and downward to avoid gunking up my roots. I allow to sit while I finish washing my body. Then I detangle with a wide-tooth comb and rinse with warm water. You don't want to wash 100% of it out, only about 75%. Leave a little, but not enough to make the hair dull or heavy. Then, I give my hair a final blast of cold water to seal the cuticle and seal in shine.

Products:
Conditioning Favourites:
-John Frieda Sheer Blonde Conditioner in Honey/Caramel (mostly for my highlights! Leaves your hair soft and smooth!)
-John Frieda Smooth Start Repairing Conditioner (Thick, luxurious, very nice!)

Step Three:Styling
~I then step from the shower and immediately wring my hair out with my hands.

For fat, tamed curls:
Step 1: Once the excess moisture is gone, I begin styling immediately. Using my fingers, I comb some leave-in Conditioner through my hair, root to tip, lightly.
Products:
~Deva Curl Heaven in Hair Intense Moisture Treatment (Hear me out! It's a masque, but a small dollop works AMAZING as a leave in!)

Step 2: I liberally apply a heat shield spray. Apply from root to tips, then comb it through to distribute evenly.
Products:
~Pantene Pro V Heat Protection Spray for Curly Hair

Step 3: I then apply a balm/cream to my hair, using my fingers to comb it through, starting from my ears down.
Products:
~AG Re:coil Curl Reactivating Balm (AMAZING stuff! A little goes a LONG way and it provides awesome texture!)

Step 4: I then scrunch my hair with a mico-fiber towel. I lay the towel over my hand and then lower my hair into it, while scrunching upward. DO NOT RUB! Just scrunch in sections!

Step 5: Ahhh, the gel! I then generously apply gel, root to tip. Now, I don't do it all at once. I like to section my hair and apply evenly and thoroughly!
Products:
~Ouidad Heat and Humidity Gel (The BEST gel I've ever used! It's a bit thin, but a little goes a CRAZY long way!!)
Step 6: Time to dry my hair! I use the Ion Conditioning Ionic-Ceramic Tourmaline Dryer with a bowl diffuser. I don't touch my hair while drying, I just lower my hair down into the bowl and dry it on low heat, low speed. Go slowly, don't touch it and only dry until 80%. Let it air dry the rest of the way.

For kinkier, smaller curls:

Step 1: Once the excess moisture is gone, I begin styling immediately. Using my fingers, I comb some leave-in Conditioner through my hair, root to tip, lightly.
Products:
~Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner (Medium consistency, nice smell. Can also be used like a regular conditioner!)
~Paul Mitchell's "The Conditioner" (Medium consistency, awesome smell-leaves your hair super soft!)

Step 2: I liberally apply a heat shield spray. Apply from root to tips, then comb it through to distribute evenly.
Products:
~Pantene Pro V Heat Protection Spray for Curly Hair

Step 3: I then apply a balm/cream to my hair, using my fingers to comb it through, starting from my ears down.
Products:
~Beyond the Zone Noodle Head Curl Creme (It's smooth and smells great! Perfect for a light hold with a soft touch!)

Step 4: I then scrunch my hair with a mico-fiber towel. I lay the towel over my hand and then lower my hair into it, while scrunching upward. DO NOT RUB! Just scrunch in sections!

Step 5: I then scrunch mousse into my hair, section by section, root to tip! It gives a nice, light, airy feel to the curls.
Products:~Beyond the Zone Noodle Head Curl Mousse (smells awesome, gives a light, non-sticky hold!)

Step 6: Then, the finishing touch! I use a scrunching spray and spray lightly, section by section. I focus mostly on the ends. I cannot stress ENOUGH, keep it light! It's almost like a non-aerosol hairspray,...kinda...
Products:~Beyond the Zone The Scruncher (it smells VILE! omg, ug! But it is key to the wild, rocker curls we're going for here!)

Step 7: Time to dry my hair! I use the Ion Conditioning Ionic-Ceramic Tourmaline Dryer with a bowl diffuser. I don't touch my hair while drying, I just lower my hair down into the bowl. Now, with this, I alternate between low speed on low heat and low speed on high heat, on and off. I dry to 100%, which is what gives it a bit more of a edgier look. Then finish with a last of cool air to seal in shine and style!

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Well, there are my secret techniques! Maybe I'll start making youtube tutorials? ;)