Showing posts sorted by relevance for query max hydration method. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query max hydration method. Sort by date Show all posts

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Why You Don't Need The Maximum Hydration Method

​As a huge supporter of the Max Hydration Method, this blog post is going to surprise some. However, people seem to think that the Max Hydration Method works by magic and is the only way to obtain moisturized and defined natural hair. 

Why You Don't Need The Maximum Hydration Method


My post stands to show you that yes--the Max Hydration Method works--BUT once you understand how it works you can create your own regimen built on its principals. Below I will go into each step of the max hydration method and compare it to my current regimen which gives me similar results.
  1. Clarify - In the Max Hydration Method, you kick things off with an ACV or Baking Soda rinse. The goal is to remove build up and lift the cuticle layer to better receive your deep conditioner. Here's the rub. It's been proven that ACV and Baking Soda DO NOT remove buildup. So I decided to shampoo with warm water in this step. It is actually cleansing and the warm water lifts the hair's cuticle layer.
  2. Deep Condition - The Max Hydration Method is all about moisture. I find that my hair thrives with balance. I now bounce back and forth between a protein based and a moisture based deep conditioner.
  3. Clay Rinse - I now do a watered down version of this between my shampoo and deep conditioner. I still get all of the curl defining benefits!
  4. Style - You do not need to avoid all of the ingredients banned by the method. I use things that work for my hair and all you can do is test these ingredients to find out what works.

I still think that the Max Hydration Method is a great starting place. It DOES work but once you know why you can tweak it from there.








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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Bald Max Hydration Users?

Another bald Max Hydration user

I was perusing Hairlista as I do from time to time, when I came upon a post asking what method was better--Max Hydration or Curly Girl. I replied that I have tried both methods and that the Max Hydration Method is a sub of the Curly Girl Method. I suggested that the original poster do Curly Girl then progress to Max Hydration if they weren't getting the results that they wanted. I moved on from the post feeling that I had given solid advice.

Later, I got an email saying that someone else had also replied after I had. I decided to check it out and what I saw was truly a mess. This reply stated that she hated both methods and the people following Max Hydration Method were bald and rarely had long hair. I took extreme offense to this because at the time I was deep into Max Hydration and am currently MBL. I no longer follow Max Hydration Method in its purest form but am still a huge supporter of the method.

I never responded to this person other than to say that I do the Max Hydration Method and that I am not bald. I honestly feel that there is a way to say everything. Not everyone has to agree with the Max Hydration Method but please respect those that do and avoid broad statements!
What do you think about the poster's comments? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Why I Brought Shampoo Back Into My Regimen

If you like what you read on my blog be sure to support by subscribing to me on bloglovin', commenting below, and sharing via the social media links. New posts every Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes Friday!

As a frontline supporter of the Max Hydration Method--a method that omits shampoo, I know that it may be shocking to some that I have brought shampoo back into my regimen. No, I did not give up on the Max Hydration Method and no I am not just bouncing around to whatever seems to be the next thing in hair care. My decision was based on science and porosity.


As a frontline supporter of the Max Hydration Method--a method that omits shampoo, I know that it may be shocking to some that I have brought shampoo back into my regimen. No, I did not give up on the Max Hydration Method and no I am not just bouncing around to whatever seems to be the next thing in hair care. My decision was based on science and porosity. 

1. Baking Soda and ACV don't actually clarify the hair

The first step of the max hydration method is either a baking soda or ACV rinse. The purpose of this rinse is to remove buildup and raise the cuticle layer of the hair to better receive the following deep conditioning treatment. There are two issues with this. One, baking soda and acv have been microscopically proven to NOT cleanse the hair. In an experiment on The Natural Haven Blog, JC used several cleansing methods on hairs that she had coated in oil. ACV and baking soda were found to be the worst of the bunch! On to the second issue, there are loads of other ways that you can work with low porosity hair to help it absorb moisture.

2. Bentonite Clay Isn't The Most Cleansing Either

Bentonite clay was found to remove a similar amount of oil to co-washing. Though that is much better than ACV and Baking Soda, knowing that the little bit of oil left would add up, I didn't want to rely on clay to be my main cleanser.

At the end of the day, there was nothing truly cleansing my hair using solely the methods in the Max Hydration Method. So...in with the shampoo! In your natural hair journey it is always important to pay attention to your hair.








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Monday, July 13, 2015

Video: Troubleshoot | Max Hydration Method

Click the image to be taken to the video
If you have been doing the Max Hydration Method for some time you may have come across some issues. The Max Hydration Method, as you may have found, is not a one size fits all regimen. You will not just follow the steps and end up with juicy and defined hair. It takes technique and even some tweaking of the steps to end up with a routine that is best for your hair. 

In this video I cover some issues that I have seen a lot of or have experienced myself and give solutions.

Incorrect Porosity - You may have done the (junk science) cup test or ran your fingers up your hair strand and determined that you have low porosity hair, which the Max Hydration Method is geared toward. Not so fast! These tests have their shortcomings and you could in fact have high porosity or medium porosity hair. 

Buildup - If your hair seems unresponsive to max hydration and just doesn't seem clean after the steps, you may have buildup on your hair. The method doesn't really address previous hair treatment (or abuse) so you may need to "clean house" before you can get results.

Styling Technique - This is one that I personally struggled with. I used to not want to put my hair in as many sections as are necessary for my very dense hair. As a result, my styled hair would be in a stiff mass with little movement. Ugh! It was so bad.

Not Enough Conditioner - I don't hide the fact that I use copious amounts of conditioner when I wash/style my hair. I run through so many bottles of the stuff. I use (roughly) two palms of conditioner per side of my head. That's a lot!

Hair not setting - There is a fear of stylers/gels out there that is keeping people from using the right amount of product to set their style. Your style won't set itself.

See the solutions to these issues in the video.

Watch the video: http://youtu.be/pHNH7MEzzZU
What other Max Hydration issues should I troubleshoot next? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Confession: I Have Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair; I have always know that I had it. The symptoms were evident--hair that takes forever and then some to dry, hair that also takes just as long to feel truly soaked in the shower, hair that conditioner just sits on top of. I could go on. Up until now I have never treated my low porosity hair any differently. Why would I? My hair has retained length enough to get me to MBL!

Yet here I am writing about my low porosity hair because now I want to actually treat it more specifically. Enter the Max Hydration Method. I found this method while I as perusing YouTube. Someone left a link to the original Black Hair Media post by Pinkecube detailing the method. This method involves steps that lift the hair's cuticle layers so that you can bathe the strands in moisture.

The most tempting aspect of this regimen for me is moisture. I want my hair to be soul glow juicy! I will be kicking off this journey to max hydration by doing the regimen daily the first week--split between night and day, then every other day the following week. I hope to eventually land on every 3 days. I will also be doing the Cherry Lola treatment every other week in the beginning but want to end up doing it once a month.

I will be sharing photo progress after the first week then monthly from there. There will possibly be Youtube Videos for some of the mixes involved in the regimen.

Wash and gos "dont work" on Nappy hair Threadhttp://forum.blackhairmedia.com/wash-and-gos-dont-work-on-nappy-hair_topic368716.html

Max Hydration Method Threadhttp://forum.blackhairmedia.com/the-max-hydration-methodfrom-my-other-post_topic368937.html

Ms. Dee Kay's Max Hydration Method Video Serieshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3-LlEoQYOCYyWPHd3zONtLcPbJX5MVEB



                               




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Wednesday, October 07, 2015

The Max Hydration Method for Those With High Porosity Hair

Since the Max Hydration Method rose to popularity in the summer of 2014, many people have been wanting to jump on the bandwagon--even those who do not have the low porosity hair that the regimen is aimed toward. You know the hype is real when people outside of a target audience become interested. Here is how you can do the Max Hydration Method for high porosity hair.

Step 1: Opt for the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse option

The issue with Low Porosity (LoPo) hair is that the cuticle layers lay so flat that it is difficult for moisture to enter the hair strand. If you have high porosity hair, you don't have this problem. The baking soda in step 1 acts to raise the cuticle so opt for the cuticle closing ACV rinse or skip a rinse all together.

Step 2: Deep Condition

Whether your hair is low or high porosity, you can always benefit from a deep condition. You will not need to be as restrictive about conditioner ingredients as the Max Hydration Method calls for you to be. Have a ball but natural is best!

Step 3: Clay Wash

Mix the clay with ACV or Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) in this step to bring the pH of the mixture down so that it acts to smooth the cuticle layer. 

Step 4: Style

In this final step, opt for a gel that contains aloe vera like *Kinky-Curly Curling Custard or *Wetline Xtreme so that it helps to lay the cuticle down.
How do you make Max Hydration work for High Porosity hair? Comment below! 

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Monday, March 09, 2015

Video: Max Hydration Method 8 Months Update

Maximum Hydration Method - 8 Months

At the time of upload, I have been doing the Max Hydration Method a little over 8 months. In this update I share how I got started with the method, shortcuts that I've picked up, the products that I use, and I even answer some questions. If you still have questions about the method after this video, don't hesitate to ask. I love sharing with you all.

Click the image to be taken to the video.

Did I miss your question? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Top Max Hydration Product Picks Under $10!


One concern that people have with the Max Hydration Method and natural hair regimens in general is expense. In this post I'll share some of my top Max Hydration Picks that don't cost a lot of money. Please keep in mind that I allow some ingredients in my regimen that the original method cautions.

Aloe Vera Juice
AVJ can be purchased in bulk at Walmart and is readily available at any health food/vitamin shop. I use it as the liquid in my clay mask. It also serves as a pH balancer for the mix. I found that since adding this to my regimen my hair has become easier to detangle.

Apple Cider Vinegar
I add a splash of ACV to a spray bottle and apply this to my hair before I deep condition. The "splash" brings the pH of the water to "hair's favorite" 4 making my hair even more manageable. You can get ACV at dollar general and other dollar stores for around one dollar.

These conditioners are on about the same page for me. The Tresemme is slightly thicker than the Trader Joe's and is more widely available. Either of them will cost you less than 5 dollars! Slather on your conditioner with abandon, my friends!

Bentonite clay is an excellent gentle cleanser. This particular brand is calcium bentonite clay and will not leave your hair as defined as sodium bentonite clay but this post is about price. For your buck, calcium bentonite clay is cheaper.

This gel has a few "caution" ingredients for max hydration but isn't clogged with a ton of artificial ingredients and protein. This gel gives my hair great definition and is reminiscent of eco styler. If you live in a humid climate you may want to hold off on this one until the dew point is right.

Flax Seed Gel
No gel is cheaper than boiling up some flax seeds yourself! A pound bag will cost you under $5 and will make many batches of gel.
What are your top money saving products? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, July 09, 2014

Max Hydration Method - Week 1

You can probably figure it out but my posts are delayed from what I am actually posting about. By the time you see a post that event may have happened a month ago. I'm shameless about mine! Anywho, I state all of that because here is my week one update for the Max Hydration Method only a week after I posted about finding the method and the month update will probably follow shortly afterward. Twisted...I know.

On to the progress! Click the images if they're kind of hard to read.




                               




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Monday, July 14, 2014

Video: Cherry Lola Treatment

After knowing about it for some time, I finally gave the Cherry Lola Treatment a shot. The Cherry Lola treatment was discovered by accident by blogger Cherry Lola (http://www.cherrylola.com/). Since the discovery, the treatment has been used by many to attempt to loosen their curl pattern and/or decrease frizz. I did the treatment as it is the "kick off" of the Max Hydration Method that I blogged about a few weeks ago.

I filmed a video of my mix which added honey though it is not in the original mix (view it here):
2 cups Greek yogurt -- full fat is best but our fat phobic society makes it impossible to find
2 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp liquid amino acids
1 tbsp honey
I applied half of the mixture to my entire head and let it sit for 2 hours. You do not need to do it for that long but that is what is to be done for the Max Hydration method. Everyone says this mixture stinks but mine smelled lovely! My dog was trying to lick it out of my hair!


The result was very soft, very defined hair. I had never seen such definition in my hair. The results were short lived. My hair was defined the next wash but not nearly as much as the day I did the treatment.


I had frozen the remaining treatment and done it again two weeks later. I didn't get the stellar results that I did the first time. It could be that I am in another more humid state or that the treatment is best when fresh.


                               




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Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Max Hydration Method - Month 1


Please ignore the oldness of my hair in the above photo. It was wash evening. As you read in the title I have been on the Max Hydration Method for one whole month! I spent the begining of the month splitting the regimen between night and day, doing a part of the regimen each day. I slowly spread it out to my current routine of doing the first half of the regimen the night of my 3rd day with my wash and go.

When I initally began the regimen I was using what I had which included some no-no products. I was deep conditioning with Eden Bodyworks deep conditioner (review), using Yes to Carrots Leave In (review), and gelling my hair down with first Eco olive, then ORS loc and twist (review), then Curls Goddess Curls (review). I was also really concerened with achieving 2nd day hair. Within the first week (post) I noticed my hair wetting more easily and drying quicker.

I am happy to report that after a month I am now using 100% approved Tressemme Naturals conditioner for deep conditioning and leave in and Kinky Curly Curing Custard for gel. My hair is defined until around my eyes where it fros out from there. My hair is soft, has lots of sheen, and blows in the wind like Beyonce in concert. Second day hair is no problem. I place my bonnet over my hair, then sweep the ends to the opposite side into the bonnet. The pineapple results in hair sticking up so I'll leave it alone for now. 

I couldn't do this update without again mentioning the amount of hair lost. I continue to lose a super small amount of hair when detangling and styling on the regimen. I'm contemplating doing a post or video on managing this regimen without going broke and maybe videos showing tips on the steps. I do little things like shingling as I apply the leave in but not as I apply the gel.


                               




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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Max Hydration Method - Month 3

What befell month 2, I am still wondering. I'm just going to say my blog ate it. Anywho folks, I have completed 3 months on the Max Hydration Method.


What I'm using...
I was--until last night--still using the acv for the rinsing step. However, I noticed that the baking soda option is much more popular and that the acv step is probably better for someone with normal to high porosity. I'm testing out the baking soda recipe with water and spraying it on. My hair hasn't dried yet but when it does, I'll be sure to let you know the difference.

I am also still using the Tressemme Naturals Radiant Volume. I am on bottle 3 of 4 and plan to try the newly approved Crece Pelo! Crece has a "crack-like" following and I am eager to see what all the hype is about. It isn't as cheap as TN but it isn't very expensive either. Depending on how I feel about the Crece, I will begin getting my TN on the ground in the moisturizing formula once the Crece has finished.

My clay has always been Aztec Healing from day one and I'm not looking to change. I have now upped the cups of water to 3 and put it in a squirt water bottle. The texture is easier to apply and rinse now. I have dabbled in flax seed gel but it makes my hair so poofy and I have to coat the outside of my hair with a little Kinky Curly. I'm going to invest in the 16oz Kinky Curly and try out the Alaffia gel.


How the definition is coming along...
My hair now has "hard" clumps in some places. What I mean are a lot of curls that are banding together to firmly make the curl shape. My definition also goes up higher. Before it was around my eyebrows that the definition stopped. the "definition line" has risen just a little bit. I could compare better if I were using Kinky Curly's gel but I made this flax seed gel and--darn it--I'm going to finish it!


                               




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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Black Friday Haul

I know, I know. It's Christmas Eve and I'm writing about my Black Friday haul. I have an excuse! I did not receive the Alikay Naturals product until December 12th and I already had a blog post scheduled for the following Wednesday. This was the next post date on my blog schedule. 

Natural Hair Black Friday Haul - What The Kink?!

Koils By Nature Herbal Soothing Curl Defining Gel - $17.60 (reg. $18 + Shipping)
I was very excited to get this gel. It is on the approved list for the Max Hydration Method that I follow. It is also fairly reasonably priced considering it is a herbal gel. What I was uncertain about was the shipping cost. I was surprised to find that the shipping for KBN is only $5! They use those flat rate padded shipping envelopes. I came out with the equivalent of free shipping and a few cents off the product. Not bad! I may purchase again if I like the product.

Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker - $19.02 (reg. $22 + Shipping)
This was simply a repurchase. Curl Mart had their annual Grey Friday sale that made the product 20% off with $5 shipping. I paid nearly $3 less than the cost of the product and it was like getting free shipping. As I mentioned in the review of this product, it goes on sale from time to time and I can get away with never paying $22 for it--this is the proof! Click this text to view the review.

Alikay Naturals Aloe Berry Styling Gel - $19.85 (reg. $18 + Shipping)
This gel is also approved on the Max Hydration Method. I didn't think $18 was bad but I have heard "on the streets" that the shipping was high for Alikay Naturals and that it was! I believe the shipping had a double digit number! On top of that, the product ships from the state where I am located--Florida. The discount on the product was so much that I didn't care and purchased anyway. I came out as though I had paid a dollar for shipping in the end anyhow. If I like it, Alikay Naturals is already in Target and will soon be available in Sally Beauty.

As you can tell, gel is on my mind right now. In addition to these I will also be playing around with Wetline Extreme, Pure Clean, and Xanthan Gum gels. Stay tuned for the reviews that will surely follow!

Did you get a good deal on hair products this holiday season? Share your finds below! 

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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

My Current "To Try" List

You all know that I follow a regimen called the Maximum Hydration Method. On this method your product choices are limited to products excluding several ingredients. Of these 'no-no' ingredients some just don't bother me so I've compiled a list of some products I'll eventually be trying. I've also noted next to each product why it is not 100% Max Hydration Method approved if it is a rule bender.

Conditioners

  • Alba Botanica Leave In Conditioner (Glycerin, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol)
  • Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner, Normal to Dry Hair (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexl Glycerin)
  • GVP Conditioning Balm (Propylene Glycol - humectant!!)
  • Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (Vegetable Glycerin, Panthenol)


Stylers

  • As I Am Curling Jelly Curl And Coil Definer (Glycerin)
  • Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Soufflé (Glycerin, Panthenol)
  • Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel (Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol as preservative)
  • Beautiful Curls Curl Defining Gel
  • Green Tea Curl Glaze

Note that the rule benders are mostly humectants. Humectants cause my style to drop in high dews but never cause dryness in low dews. If you live in a desert climate you may want to avoid all of these humectant containing products as they can cause dryness. The main reason these are no-no'd for MHM is so that you don't have to worry about the climate or dews at all. 
What are you trying next? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wash and Go: Technique is Everything

Me before these techniques. Defined but only minimally
This past week, I have learned so much about the important of technique when it comes to a wash and go. Using the same products but different techniques, my hair came out completely different. I cannot exclaim thoroughly enough through this typed format exactly how different my hair was. I'm talking day and night, y'all! Three techniques helped me to have a better wash and go: returning to the LOC method, diffusing, and appropriate sectioning.

LOC Method
The LOC method is a staple in the natural hair community and for good reason, it works. It involves applying a liquid, water based moisturizer to the hair, sealing that with an oil, then sealing again with a heavier cream or butter. When I adopted the Max Hydration Method as my regimen, I moisturized my hair with a leave in then sealed everything in with a gel. This method is working for many on the regimen but I find that I need a little more sealant.

Thinking of the gel as the heavier sealant in the LOC method I returned to applying an oil after my leave-in and before my gel. My hair is much softer feeling and has more shine for this simple tweak.

Diffusing
I'll admit that I have owned a diffuser for several months but never used it. It takes time to diffuse and I wasn't willing to take that time. With the colder weather here in Florida I was kind of forced to diffuse my hair dry and I'm glad that I was. Diffusing greatly decreases frizz and increases definition. I can apply the same products and air dry and end up with a much less defined result. Trust me, I did this and the only change was the diffusing.

Appropriate Sectioning
I have more hair on just the back half of my head than some people have on their entire head. I'm not trying to throw shade; I'm just stating the facts. I think that we too often ignore hair density when it comes to natural hair care. Due to my very dense head of hair I cannot put my hair into 4 sections and think that the product is getting distributed--as so many naturals can do.

I looked to other naturals who have very thick hair--Kelsey and Kendra of the GlamTwinz334 channel. I browsed through any of their videos where they were applying product and noticed that they break their 4 sections down into about 4 rows. They do this no matter if they are applying deep conditioner, leave-in, or a styler.

I decided to apply my pre-poo, deep conditioner, clay mask, leave in, and gel in this manner and--bay-bay!--my hair is moisturized and very defined. My definition goes further up the strands and my hair was actually flat on top. I'm now seriously considering sleeping with my hair in a pineapple for volume. Also the movement in my hair is so much better that I'm almost certain that my hair would fall back down from the pineapple the following morning.

I might also mention that how you sleep on your hair is also a technique. My hair comes out differently in the morning depending on how I've slept on it. I recently purchased a pocket bonnet so that my hair can hang downward as I sleep. I'm trying to get rid of that graduated bob look that can be seen in some of my videos. (ugh!)



                               




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Thursday, January 01, 2015

Happy New Year! 2015 Goals

Happy New Year! As usual, I am here to blog about the goals I have for my hair in 2015. This year I thought I'd kick it up a notch and add my youtube channel and blog to the goals.

My Hair

  • Continue to increase the hydration of my hair through the Max Hydration Method
  • Incorporate seasonal micro trims of 1/4"
  • Try a rollerset 
  • Establish hair staples again

My Channel

  • Improve the quality of my videos - I got lazy at times in 2014
  • Be more purposeful with the thumbnails
  • Do a collab - Seriously, who wanna go in on a collab video?
  • Gain 1,000 new subs - Hey, I got that many in 2014!

My Blog

  • Get a domain name - I've been dragging my feet on this for years!
  • Get business cards
  • Be more purposeful in my content
  • Improve the beginner-ability of my blog - That's not a word but I used it! I want beginners to feel like this is a place that they can put their hat down and their feet up!

As a person I'd like to be more hospitable and considerate. I admit that I am in my mid-twenties and have a lot to learn about life and interaction in general.

View past New Year Goal Posts: 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011
What are your goals? Personal or web; share them below! 

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Monday, January 05, 2015

Product Review: Xtreme Professional Wet Line Styling Gel

Like the product reviewing beast I have become, I did a review of the Xtreme Professional Wet Line Styling Gel. This gel is protein,silicone, and alcohol free. It appears to be a good gel for the curly girl method, is a no-no for the Max Hydration Method, and is a good replacement for Eco Styler gel. Click the image to see the review!

Xtreme Professional Wet Line Styling Gel Review - natural hair

After this review, will you try this gel? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Why You Don't Have Waves

why you dont have waves

The young man pictured above is my little brother, Breland. You wouldn't know it from looking at the picture but he has struggled with hair and scalp dryness due to his eczema. His waves have not always been "on swim" as you see here. I also must add that YES he is fully black. -_-" Our mom and dad (and grandparents, too) are definitely Alabama black folk! 

You don't realize that waves are flattened curls. Many of the tips that work for natural hair will work to develop your waves! Moisturized hair will curl and curly hair can be flattened for waves. I suggest looking into the curly girl method and--for harder to moisturize hair types--The Max Hydration Method. Also, please realize that your wave pattern is affected by the size of your curls. My brother has type 3 hair like my mom which is why his waves are so large. The tighter your curl pattern is, the smaller waves you will have. 

You're drying your hair out. My brother uses a rather harsh shampoo to deal with his scalp issues. His waves deepened, evened out, and gained more shine when he decreased the times per week that he used this drying shampoo. He also moisturizes his hair daily with the thick Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner that comes in a jar. He protects his waves at night with a satin wave cap. His hair practices give his hair moisture and keep that moisture in.

A simple search of "How to get waves" on google will come up will all sorts of drying regimens that promise to give you waves. They ask you to brush your hair and apply drying, heavy greases. Sure that works for some, but if it worked for you...you wouldn't be on my blog post. lol.

You are comparing yourself to others. Just because that guy over there used a certain grease and his waves look a certain way doesn't mean you can get the same results. Realize that your hair's texture is unique and needs unique care! 
Are you guilty of any of these? Comment below! 

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Length Retention Boot Camp #3

This will be my last mini length check this year and possibly until further notice. As you can see my hair is still on the same line (which can be expected after a 1/2" trim in late October). What is most striking to me about this update is the quality of my hair. All of these mini length checks have been done on damp hair right after I deep condition. That is just the most convenient time for me to take a picture.

In the first check I am (fiercely!) afro woman. In the next one my hair has more hang but isn't giving up the volume. In this one my hair is hanging like that is all it knows how to do. I really hadn't noticed that it was that different.

I have continued to follow the max hydration method and to primarily wear my hair out and down. I am also doing the same vitamin combo as mentioned in my #2 post. I plan to phase out the MSM and biotin since I don't see any real benefit in them and will continue on with my Multi. I am a Pescetarian and need to make sure I get my B12 in!

Through this "boot camp" I came to completely change my hair regimen for the better. The condition of my hair has greatly improved and I even gained an inch. Despite the positives these "more frequent length checks" reminded me why I originally began doing bi-annual checks. These checks are just downright discouraging.

No ma'am, this is not for me. You'll see this shirt in April and not a second before that!



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Wednesday, May 06, 2015

All The Buzz On 3 Popular Natural Hair Styles

As it heats up outside, so do these 3 popular natural hair styles. Get the scoop on how to set, style, and maintain the wash and go, crochet wig, and yarn braids style.

Wash and Go

With the popularity of last summer's max hydration method booming, the wash and go is once again a popular style. People are looking for how to achieve it, maintain it, and style it when it's "past due."

Set it.



Maintain it.



Style it.




Crochet Wigs

Crochet braids came back in a real way but were eventually overshadowed by the crochet wig. What most likely makes this style so popular is the ability to completely remove it and how inexpensive the supplies needed for this style can be. I see this style continuing to be popular on into the winter months.

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