How I Manage My Waist Length, Type 4 Hair Without a “Texture Manageability System”

by Editorial 

A few weeks back our writer Christina wrote a review of the Beautiful Textures Texture Manageability System. Here, Kara gives an alternative perspective of managing natural hair.

by Kara (pictured above)

By now I am sure that most of you are aware of these “revolutionary” systems that are on the market for curly girls to maintain straight hair that lasts for up to 6 weeks! My initial thought was that some person out there still believes that curly hair needs to be managed or let me put it bluntly: controlled! I was totally confused and astounded when I attended a natural hair event and the main sponsor was promoting a “texture management system.”

Afterward, I decided to share my tips on how I look after my textured hair without the need of having to turn to a texture management system.

1. Moisture

While embarking upon my journey to healthy hair, one of the first things I learned is that curly hair requires a lot of moisture. The curves and bends of its structure does not allow for moisture to easily travel down the shaft of the hair strand, causing curly hair to become dry. To combat this issue, I began moisturizing my hair on a daily basis using water, especially on the ends. I ensured the moisture applied stayed locked in by using my oil mixture and a butter such as shea butter or Darcy’s Botanicals Shea moisture curl cream.

2. Satin pillowcase or scarf

I used to wear the foot of a stocking to bed, which I;m sure many of us have at one point. Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster for our curly tresses, as it sucks the moisture out of our hair. Ensuring that textured hair stays moisturized overnight means your hair will remain flexible and pliable. In turn, this flexibility makes it easier to manipulate your hair into whatever style you desire. I have a lovely purple satin scarf I like to wear to bed.  Investment in a satin bonnet or pillowcase is worthwhile. If you have extra pennies to spare maybe treat yourself to a silk pillowcase or bonnet!

3. Styling tools

Although I prefer to finger detangle, there are a few hair tools that have assisted me in the past. The wide tooth comb was an essential tool that I used to detangle my hair. Later on, I jumped on the craze of the Denman brush, which was also great for detangling. Both thewide tooth comb and Denman brush were great for me, but it’s important to find the styling tool which best suits your hair.

4. Deep conditioning

Find yourself a good deep conditioner. When I started out on my journey, I was deep conditioning religiously once a week because my hair was dry. I now deep condition every other week, because I have listened to my hair and now know I can go longer without deep conditioning. I like to use a moisturizing deep conditioner such as Bee Mine Balanced Conditioner or my recent favorite, Shea Decadence Clay Mask. Applying heat while deep conditioning allows the conditioner to penetrate the strands allowing for super soft manageable hair.

5. Styling

During the week, I love wearing low manipulation styles. However, on the weekends, I will sometimes wear my hair loose. My low manipulation styles typically consist of braids or twists that I style. During the weekend, I just release it for a twist or braid out. If you want to reduce the likelihood of tangles, wearing stretched styles will usually do the job. When I wear a braid or twist out, my hair is set in a specific way so my hair strands follow the same pattern. This also decreases the likelihood of tangles which definitely comes in handy when wash day is approaching.

When I was first learning how to care for my hair, I turned to YouTube Gurus. Here are some ofthe you tubers that taught me how to care for my hair right from the beginning:

Kinkykurlyqueen

Prettydimples01

Kimmaytube

Curlychronicles

Rustic Beauty

You can make your own decision on whether or not you want to try a texture management system. However, just remember that your hair is manageable. Accept the uniqueness of kinks, coils and curls and learn to love your hair for what it is and not what someone else thinks it should be.  As for me, I am not in a hurry to use a texture management system, my hair is manageable.

What techniques or tools have you implemented into your hair care regime to improve the overall health of your hair?

Kara is a London-based health professional who teaches individuals with physical and mental health disabilities how to live independently. She is also an active natural hair vlogger. You can find her on YouTube at NaturalCurliesTV and Instagram @NaturalCurlies

Will Naptural85’s 25-Minute Co-wash and Detangle Method Work on Waist-length 4C Hair?

by Chinwe 

As a natural, you’re more than likely familiar with some of the challenges that come with detangling – especially if you are 4C. Some include reducing breakage, avoiding snags and holding back tears from your eyes. (Yes, tears.) If  you tack on washing, conditioning and sealing, for some, this total time can run into the realm of hours. But does this have to be the case?

How Naptural85’s method works:

The first step is to coat your entire hair with coconut oil, which will help to lubricate the hair and loosen the tangles. (According to Whitney, the coconut oil is the “secret weapon” in this entire routine.) Next, follow up with a conditioner that has great slip, and allow the combination to marinate. Afterwards, hop into the shower and finger detangle while water runs down your hair. Next, apply conditioner to your hair (for co-washing), gently comb with a wide-tooth comb, and then rinse. Finally, apply your moisturizer and sealant and you’re done!

The method on waist-length 4C natural hair:

So Asha is a 4C natural vlogger who decided to try out Whitney’s method. What was the final verdict? The coconut oil and conditioner melted her knots and tangles away, and the detangling session ended up being the fastest she’s ever had. So how long did it take her? Check out her videos below for the full results:

PART I:

PART II:

Have you tried Naptural85’s 25-minute co-wash and detangle method?

5 Professional and Chic Natural Hair Styles for the Workplace

by Chinwe 

Though natural hair is making more appearances in the workplace, it can still be a challenge to find that perfect “professional” hairstyle you are comfortable wearing.  Nevertheless, there are options out there — no matter how short or long your hair.  Here are just a few:

1. Mini Twists into Updo (Medium-Length Natural Hair)

With autumn around the corner, this updo is an option for those who will be wearing small twists throughout the coming months.  It is really simple to achieve and requires just a few bobby pins.  No one can tell you that you don’t look professional in this style.

2. Faux Natural Bun (Short Natural Hair)

This style is another alternative to your usual TWA, but will work best on looser textures and/or hair that is long enough to get into a tiny ponytail.  You will need an ample amount of gel, a brush, an ouchless band, bobby pins, and an afro-textured bun.

3. Flat Twists into Updo (Medium-Length to Long Natural Hair)

Now for another tutorial that involves twists — flat twists, to be precise.  This style is obviously not conservative but can work just fine in many workplaces.  (Yes, flat twists can be professional, too.)  If you want height like VeePeeJay, you will need Marley braid hair.

4. Teeny Weeny Afro with a Side Part (Short Natural Hair)

If you are tired of your usual teeny weeny afro (TWA) or don’t quite know how to make it work for the office, check out this tutorial.  The side part spruces up your style while also adding a professional touch.  You will need gel. For my kinky naturalistas, you will also need bobby pins.

5. Stretched Updo (Medium-Length Natural Hair)

This look is a great alternative for those with medium-length natural hair. It is a bit more conservative than the other looks but still very beautiful. You will start from stretched hair and need several bobby pins to achieve it. This look can also be modified for longer hair.

How do you wear your hair for the workplace?

How I Achieved Long, Healthy 4B/4C Hair Without Using Hair Vitamins

by Tori (pictured above)

After posting length check or ‘before and after’ pictures on Instagram, I often get asked if I take hair vitamins, and the answer is no. I also often get asked, “how did you grow your hair so long?” or “what can I use to make my hair grow?” I never have the answer that some expect to hear. When asked this question in person, I sometimes get a look of disappointment, as if to say “is that ALL you’re going to tell me?” Well, unfortunately, I do not have a secret hair growth potion recipe to share. If I did, I would bottle it and distribute it worldwide (ha)! What I have been able to offer, however, are tips that can help you achieve your hair goals. So, before you go out and buy hair vitamins or magic hair growth potions, here are five tips to consider for growing long, healthy hair:

• Healthy Hair Starts From Within

I know I may be ‘beating a dead horse’ here, but I always have to reiterate that healthy hair starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Do I eat healthy 100% of the time? Absolutely not. But, I do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. Your diet can affect your overall health, including your hair’s health. So, try to include more nutritious foods, vegetables, fruits, protein, etc. to fuel healthy hair from within.

• Water Your Hair.

Literally and figuratively, we need to water our hair.  Think of your hair like a plant, you have to ‘water’ it to help it grow. Increasing your daily water intake can improve your hair’s moisture and health. Also, since water is the best moisturizer, spritz your hair daily to prevent excess dryness. Dry hair leads to breakage, especially afro-textured hair, which tends to be very dry.

• Treat Your Hair With Love

This may sound corny, but, if you love your hair, it will love you back. Be gentle with your strands. Vigorous styling, harsh handling, and excessive pulling and tugging can lead to breakage. Hair that is constantly breakage is not retaining its length. So, if one of your hair goals is long hair, you are limiting your results by not treating your hair with love.

• Just Leave It Alone

If your hair is like mine, it sometimes just wants to be left alone. Sometimes we get too carried away by wanting to try every style or product or technique. But, while we are busy experimenting or wanting to switch things up constantly, our hair length and health may be suffering. Give your hair a break sometimes. Just leave it alone.

• Keep It Simple

In the beginning of my hair journey, I watched tons of product review videos and bought many of the products the ladies in the videos spoke about. My hair regimen consisted of a million steps and washdays would literally take ALL day. Over time, I learned that simple is better (and less stressful). No, I do not need to do fifty steps on washday and I do not need to use ten styling products all at once. Keep your regimen simple and

Patience
In addition to all of the above, the most important hair tip I can share is PATIENCE. Quick fixes are tempting but ultimately if you make healthy hair your priority, length can be achieved over time.

For those of you who have successfully grown out your natural hair without the use of vitamins, what tips would you give?

About Tori: I’m Tori, a Jamaican-born natural currently living in Texas. I was reunited with my natural texture in January 2012 when I big chopped, after transitioning for a year and a half. I am still learning about my natural hair, and hope to share the knowledge and experiences I gain as I continue on my natural hair journey. You can find me on Instagram @bonafidestyle.

The New Max Hydration Method Promises Moisturized, Defined Wash and Go’s for Type 4 Hair: Is It for You?

Photo courtesy of maxhydrationmethod.com

 by Christina Patrice 

The Max Hydration Method (MHM for short) is, according to maxhydrationmethod.com, “a 5 step regimen that systematically increases moisture levels in the hair until Max Hydration is reached.” This method, championed by Black Hair Media Forum VIP Member PinkeCube promises to turn the notion that wash and go’s don’t work on type 4 hair on its head. In addition to forum posts, and social media accounts dedicated to the Max Hydration Method, PinkeCube has launched a blog where everything about the method can be found — maxhydrationmethod.com.

So what exactly is the Max Hydration Method, how does it work, and are the results for real? Let’s explore.

Who is the Max Hydration Method for?

The Max Hydration Method is articulated as being designed for type 4, specifically low porosity 4c natural hair.

What does it do?

PinkeCube, MissDeeKay, and other proponents state that the Max Hydration Method will transform dry, frizzy, undefined hair into coils and curls that clump — with or without product. Additionally, they claim that once your hair reaches max hydration, many of the issues that plague type 4 hair (dryness, styling, knots, length retention) will cease to occur.

Photo courtesy of maxhydrationmethod.com

What products are required, and how long does it take?

The Max Hydration Method initial period lasts for 7 consecutive days. You can stretch your re-wetting/styling to every 2-3 days, but daily is recommended for maximum results. As far as products are concerned, you’ll need:

• Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment
• Baking Soda Rinse (baking soda + conditioner) or Apple Cider Vinegar
• Cowashing Conditioner
• Deep Conditioner
• Clay Rinse (clay + honey + olive oil + water)
• Leave-In Conditioner
• Botanical Gel

Click here for the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment, Baking Soda Rinse, and Clay Rinse steps and recipe. 

How do you do the Max Hydration Method?

Photo courtesy of missdeekay.com

As mentioned previously, the Max Hydration Method is aimed at being a 7 day cycle, but can be adjusted per time constraints and the needs of your hair. The method goes a little something like this:

1. Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment or Clarify: First-timers are to complete the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment on Day 1 instead of clarifying. After the initial treatment, you can do the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment every 2 weeks, monthly, or however frequently your hair requires. Days 2-7 call for a baking soda or apple cider vinegar rinse every morning, where the ingredients sit on your hair for 15-60 minutes.
2. Deep Condition Overnight: This step is optional, but recommended to facilitate increased hydration. If you skip the overnight deep conditioning session, simply condition your hair, allow it to sit for 15 minutes or so, then proceed to finger detangle your hair while rinsing it out.
3. Clay Rinse: After rinsing and detangling, apply your clay mix thoroughly to the hair and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes.
4. Leave-in & Curl Definer: After rinsing the clay thoroughly, while hair is still soaking wet (preferably in the shower), the leave-in and curl definer are to be applied section-by-section from root to tip. If portions of your hair begin to dry out, simply re-wet them and move along. The Max Hydration Method allows for LCO layering of products underneath gels, but never LOC because oils are occlusive and will prevent water-based moisturizing products from penetrating and hydrating the hair.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 daily, or every 2-3 days depending upon your hair’s needs. After one Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment, the other days call for the baking soda or apple cider vinegar rinse.

Users of the Max Hydration Method are encouraged to use only approved/botanical products throughout this process. Although I am still trying to identify a consolidated list of products, the general idea is sticking as closely to the Curly Girl Method as possible (no sulfates, no cones, etc.). For starters, Miss Dee Kay outlines a list of Max Hydration Method-approved conditioners here.

Photo courtesy of missdeekay.com

The big question: does the Max Hydration Method actually work?

From a personal standpoint, I don’t know. There is a strong possibility that I will experiment with it in the coming weeks, to satisfy my own curiosity. However, there are dozens of ladies on maxhydrationmethod.com’s testimony page offering visual proof of their success with the method. You can also search Instagram for the hashtag #maxhydrationmethod to find ladies who are actively participating in the Max Hydration Challenge. For an incredibly detailed breakdown of someone who has and continues to use the Max Hydration Method, visit Miss Dee Kay’s blog. For a more scientific approach/breakdown, check out this post by Jc of The Natural Haven.

From the sampling of devotees to the Max Hydration Method, the results look incredibly promising. One thing to take into consideration is the amount of time, energy, and product the method requires. It is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Have any of you tried the Max Hydration Method, or will you be trying it? Share your thoughts and results below!

What to Expect with Long Type 4 Natural Hair

by Editorial

by Tori (pictured above)

When I started my natural hair journey, I didn’t have specific hair length goals. My goal was to focus on healthy hair and the length came over time. I watched several YouTube videos and visited several blogs, from which I learned a ton of information on caring for my hair. However, there are a couple things that I have learned about having long type 4 hair that I wish I saw a video or blog post about. A “things to expect with long type 4 hair” video would have been nice. So, if you are thinking about growing out your natural (type 4) hair, here are some things you can look forward to:

1. Single Strand Knots

Coily hair likes to curl around itself, creating single strand knots. Well, if you are already experiencing a lot of single strand knots, just know that these little knots don’t go away the longer your hair gets. In fact, they can sometimes increase in number. The best (and easiest) way to get rid of these knots is to cut them off. I try to minimize knots by keeping my hair stretched, but even then I just cannot get rid of them completely. Don’t stress yourself out too much about single strand knots. A knot or two will not stop you from reaching your hair goals.

2. More Hair Products

The longer your hair gets, the more products you will need to care for your hair, especially, if you tend to be heavy-handed with products like I am. For example, a 16oz store-bought conditioner would probably only last me through 3 washdays (maybe 4 if I’m lucky). It will also require more moisturizer, more cleansers, more oils, etc. This could wreak havoc on your budget. However, there are ways around it. Look for cheaper options that will provide similar results. Then, save your more expensive products for when you want to treat your hair to a little luxury. I keep my more expensive products stowed away for days when I want to give my hair a special treat. You can also opt for homemade concoctions from things such as shea butter, clays, oils, etc. The ingredients may seem pricier initially, but your homemade concoctions and batters will last longer than most store-bought products. For instance, I’ve had a one-pound bag of rhassoul clay(great for making a hair cleanser) for almost a year.

3. More Trims

The oldest part of your hair is your ends. The longer your hair gets the more susceptible you are to breakage, and damage to your ends from styling and your ends rubbing against your clothes. Of course, you want to wear your hair out to enjoy your length, but you also don’t want to suffer extensive damage to the older, more fragile part of your hair. I keep my ends protected whenever possible and get trims when needed to keep my hair healthy. I usually about 3-4 times per year.

4. You Learn Time-saving Tricks

Longer natural hair can increase hair care time. Once upon a time, it took me close to five hours to do my hair on a regular washday. But, you learn quickly that having an all day washday routine is just not practical. You develop methods that help to make cleansing and styling your hair quicker and easier. Over time, I’ve found ways to decrease my washday time from almost all day to less than 2 hours.

5. Hair Love

The most important thing I have learned the longer my hair gets is how to embrace the natural me. If you think you love your hair now, wait until you spend more time with it. You’ll develop a bond, even giving it a nickname because you get that close. Lol. This may sound corny, but no one told me that I would love my hair more, the longer I was on my hair journey. I have found that I do and you will too.

What are some things you’ve learned while on your natural hair journey? What do you wish you knew before reaching your current hair goal?

About Tori: I’m Tori, a Jamaican-born natural currently living in Texas. I was reunited with my natural texture in January 2012 when I big chopped, after transitioning for a year and a half. I am still learning about my natural hair, and hope to share the knowledge and experiences I gain as I continue on my natural hair journey. You can find me on Instagram @bonafidestyle.

Allie // Multi-Texture Style Icon

by Meosha 

Introduce yourself!
A: Hello! I’m Allie (“known” on YouTube as AllieNicole and Instagram as @allisahnnn) from Oakland, California. I’ve been in DC for the last eight years so I claim the “urea” too :)

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I have been natural for 12 years! My big chop was in 8th grade after a terrible sequence of relaxer-breakage-jherri curl. Yes, I had a jherri curl (or Wave Nouveau as it was called) in 1999. I don’t know if I ever forgave my Mom for letting me do that LOL. I was featured on BGLH awhile back and went into detail about my other questionable hair styling techniques. I would say that I never really “went natural” – I just made questionable hair styling decisions for a few years and went back to the hair my mom braided for most of my childhood. I grew into myself and rekindled a love affair with my hair!

How would you describe your texture?
A: Even after 12 years of being natural, I am not sure if I know the answer to this question! My hair has a loose “S” curl pattern in the front (somewhere between 3c/4a), tighter ringlets in the back, and 4a/4b less defined “S’ curls in the crown area. My hair is extremely dense and most of the strands are thick. I’ve colored it a few times and it took about 2.5 years to grow the colored sections out (to my current BSL length).

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: I clarify once a month, put my hair in twists for a week, rock a twistout for a week, and co-wash if needed after two weeks. I like to curl or bantu knot my twists to add a little variety and I have started experimenting with updos as well! I am a semi-reformed product junkie – my current staples include Aubrey Organics GPB, Shea Moisture Purification Mask, Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisturizing Conditioner, Oyin Handmade Frank Juice Leave-in, and Mahogany Queen’s Mango Shea Butter. Shea Radiance and Jane Carter products are starting to grow on me as well!

What does wash day look like for you?
A: Clarifying Day:
(1) Massage scalp with 50:50 Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar/Water mix
(2) Apply Shea Moisture Purification Mask through four sections to remove product buildup. Rinse.
(3) Apply Aubrey GPB Conditioner/Tresemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner. Rinse.
(4)Squeeze dry with t-shirt.
(5)Apply Oyin Frank Juice and styling product (Mango Butter, Curl Cream, etc.) before twisting.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
A: I like to create a side part and pin down a large twist or braid in the front of my hair for a quick dramatic hair centerpiece.

How do you combat shrinkage?
A: I don’t – I learn to work with it! Twist outs and braid outs are great ways to elongate and “soft set” curls.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: When I get overly stressed out, my right temple starts to thin (left always stays strong – don’t know why lol). When I notice it I remind myself to calm down and focus on what’s really important to eliminate the unnecessary stress. Once I maintain that balance (and tend to the area with a little TLC) it generally grows back within a few months. Tis life!

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Use Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner as often as the wallet will allow! Gently finger detangle with coconut oil before co-washing!

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Don’t spend 12 hours youtubing hairstyles – try some! You will have epic wins and fails :) Don’t go longer than 12 weeks without MINOR trims since separating twists can be rough on the ends

Schebania // 4B/C Natural Hair Style Icon

by Meosha

Introduce yourself!
S: My name is Schebania and I am a second generation Haitian living in Atlanta, GA.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I’ve been natural for pretty much my entire life. Well, there was one point in my life when I really did want to get a perm. But I watched many people close to me struggle with their permed hair. So many of them were getting frustrated with how short, damaged, and thin their hair was becoming. That’s when I realized I didn’t want to be like them; always stressed out over the poor health of their hair. So I decided to fully embrace my natural texture and love my hair the way it grew out of my head.

How would you describe your texture?
S: I’d say that my hair is predominantly 4b/4c. My hair is really thick and dense, but I have fine strands. It tends to get pretty dry so I have to make sure that I’m always adding as much moisture as possible all the time.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: I try to keep my styling regimen pretty simple throughout the month. I like to keep my hair in protective styles like twists and updos for the majority of the month, but sometimes I will do a braid out. I usually style my hair with Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditionerand regularly add in castor oil to keep my hair soft and moisturized. I also regularly spritz my hair with a little bit of water between washes to ensure that my hair stays as moisturized as possible.

What does wash day look like for you?
S: Wash day happens every other week for me. To start, I finger detangle my hair with oil, conditioner and water before shampooing, and then I section it into 5 large twists. I then shampoo my hair in those sections. I shampoo with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. After I finish shampooing my hair, I deep condition withEden Body Works Jojoba Monoi All Natural Deep Conditioner for about an hour. After I rinse that out, I let my hair slightly air dry before I apply Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner. I seal with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and put my hair into about 10-12 braids.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
S: When I don’t have time to style, I usually put my hair in a low bun. It’s super easy and low maintenance.

How do you combat shrinkage?
S: To combat shrinkage, I keep my hair in braids between styles as well as after washing. This helps keep my hair nice and stretched and also prevents tangling and knotting from occurring.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: The crown area definitely requires the most care. That section is super sensitive so I have to be extra careful around that part of my head when I’m styling or detangling.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
S: Keeping it stretched to prevent tangles. Also adding leave in conditioner with Jamaican Black Castor Oil to keep it soft and maintain the moisture.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
S: Sleeping on my hair without wrapping it up. This leaves my hair super matted and tangled. Neglecting to wash my hair on a regular basis is also a big don’t for me. This leaves my scalp super itchy and I tend to get A LOT of product build up as well.

Alicia James // 4A/B Natural Hair Style Icon

by Meosha

Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Alicia James! I am a wife, mother of 2, and a sucker for love and natural hair! Oh Yeah…I sing a little…LOL! I was raised in Philadelphia, MS, but I am currently living in Houston, TX

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: When I transitioned to natural hair, I had no idea I was transitioning to natural hair. I didn’t know anyone who was natural and I didn’t know anything about it. I just decided one day to stop getting relaxers because my hair was literally falling out of my head. I transitioned wearing sew in weaves, braids, and kinky twists. I turned four years in September 2012. I transitioned for about 7-8 months and started my journey with about 3-4 inches of hair.

How would you describe your texture?
A: I guess my hair would be considered 4a/4b, fine strands and normal to thick density.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: I blow dry my hair once a month. I use Cantu Leave In Conditioner to moisturize the hair and it can also be used as a heat protectant. Once I turned two years natural, I decided to add heat into my regimen. The longer my hair has gotten the more I use it. I would never use it more than once a month. Now that I am currently at waist length, it seems to be easier to maintain my blown out hair. It is a lot easier to manage all of this hair when it is blown out, easier to detangle on wash days, less knots and tangles and I can style with ease.

My go to hairstyle lately has been a low sock bun with a side part. I work from home, so I don’t see the need to be too fancy. It is a great protective hairstyle, and you can dress it up or down when needed.

I also use Cantu Leave In Conditioner to achieve my twist outs, braid outs and bantu knot outs that I wear sometimes throughout the week. After bunning for a few days or even weeks, I like to let my hair down and have a little fun. I usually go for a small twist out, which usually lasts about a week.

What does wash day look like for you?
A: I wash every 2-4 weeks. Most of my journey it was once a week, but after my hair got longer I decreased wash days so that I would put less stress on my hair. I start off lightly finger detangling my dry hair. Then I shampoo my hair using my Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. I add a little conditioner and then detangle in the shower. I normally use my fingers and then comb through after the hair is fully detangled. After my shampoo and detangling I do my deep conditioning/hot oil treatment. I mix my regular rinse out conditioner Herbal Essences Hello Hydration with my extra virgin olive oil. I sit under the dryer for 15-30 minutes. (My hair is covered with a plastic cap/bag) Next I rinse out the oil and conditioner thoroughly. I add my Cantu Leave In Conditioner to my hair, then I style as desired.

How do you combat shrinkage?
A: Shrinkage is a hard thing to beat, so I try not to battle it too much! I usually keep my hair stretched out using the bunning method, twist outs, or blow outs.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: I have to be very careful with my edges. They tend to thin very easily if my hair is being pulled too tight or I am doing styles that require too much manipulation. To manage this, I consistently massage my edges with oil, and I stick to low manipulation styling.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Deep conditioning/hot oil treatments and protective styling.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Combing dry hair and excessive heat.