Scalp Maintenace & Management for braid wearers

/Hi

In case you don't know I love using yarn braids as a protective style and I normally experience a lot of hair growth  during the 3 weeks they are in. However I had a bit of a problem with it this time.... More on that later.

This post here is about maintaining a healthy scalp and getting rid of build up while having in braids. We all know it happens when we have in protective styles especially braids. Having to put in all of these products into your hair can cause a lot of build up on your scalp.

My solution... Sugar scrub. Yep, a sugar scrub it keeps my scalp clean and build up free and I normally only do it 1 time during this 3 week period.

Here is my scalp:

My scalp with no products added

Can you believe that this is my scalp after 4 weeks? I did the sugar scrub 4 days before I took this picture and my scalp is still clean.


What will you need for your sugar scrub:

• 2 or 3 tbl spoon -  brown sugar
• 1tsp-    baking soda (optional)
• 1 tbl spoon-    oil of your choice (olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil etc.)
• a bit of botanical shampoo/ conditoner/ scented oil
• toothbrush
• spray bottle with water

Directions:

1. In a small bowl mix the brown sugar and baking soda together.
2. Add the oil and shampoo or conditioner of your choice (a bit of the brown sugar and baking soda may dissolve... you can add more if you like)
3. Seperate your hair into four (4) sections
4. Using the toothbrush dip into the mixture and scrub your scalp only using circular motions (do not be too rough) 
5. Continue until your whole head is done
6. Once finished you can wash your braids or hair
7. I like to use the spray bottle with water to rinse it out section by section (please lean over a sink or be in a tub when you are doing this as it will run)

No matter what way you rinse it out you will be left with a clean and fresh smelling scalp and braids. There are many different recipes out there to try.

To dry I normally use a blow dryer on warm to dry the ends of my braids and then pile it on top of my head until it is completely dry.

I hope this helps in your quest for a clean scalp.

Taking out the braids

Wanted to share a pic of my hair after I finished under the Huetiful steamer. I have just taken my hair down from having them in yarn braids for 4 weeks without washing them... I felt uber nasty and my scalp was awful. I did an apple cider vinegar rinse/scrub and followed it up with a deep treatment under the huetiful steamer and a rinse in lukewarm water (not too hot and not ice cold). At which point I followed the kimmay tube leave in. 

Now let me introduce you to my droopy pineapple that happens after a steamer session. 

 

 Never fear though after my rinse and leave in it looks like this

All nice and pouffy once more. Now I just need to figure how to style it.

Suggestions anyone?
 

Yarn braid hairstyles

Want to view some simple yarn braid hairstyles like this one:

Check it out here.

5 minute hair Regimen

/Hi
I want to talk about curl definition. Namely my curl definition. In the beginning of my natural hair journey getting curl definition was not high on my list of things. I would just twist my hair and loose it out the next day and then "booyah" curl definition. However days would happen like the one in the picture below and I would have to take and afro pick to my hair.

My hair 3-4 months ago

I have noticed though that over time my hair has more curl definition and seems to instantly form coils and mini curls on my head :D.

Please ignore the thread

Look I have sprigs

I have noticed that my curls are becoming more pronounced and defined since I started co -washing only with occasional clay treatments. Also these pics posted show what my hair looks like in the evening around 7 pm. The only problem I have is getting all the conditioner out in the mornings.

:-o Did I mention that I use conditioner every morning (unless I have in a fabulous hairstyle of course)? No??!! Well, now you know. Here is what I use every morning:

Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Conditioner- Lots of thick coco nutty goodness (yes I said it :p)

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In

That's it. Those are the products I use every morning. I wet my hair in the shower and put on the Caribbean Coconut and finger de-tangle. I leave it on while and shower before I come out I rinse it out thoroughly and while my hair is still wet I add in the Knot today and let dry. More often than not though all of the product does not dry in or my hair may be too wet so I normally wrap my hair in a t-shirt until I am ready to go out the door. I give it a little pat before I take it off and style as I see fit before I leave.

This is one of my easiest ways to style my hair. Sometimes I may even twist my hair from the night before and after I have done my co-wash and leave in application I will take out the twist and have a curly and cutre twist out.

What about you, do you have a quick and simple hair regimen?

I have missed you

I have so missed my blog. It's been so hectic lately and I have missed posting my thoughts and what I'm doing with my hair.

Lately though I haven't been doing anything, with my hair besides wetting it... I know I have been so bad to my hair :-D.

The  2 weeks ago the exercise regimen was going strong and then I was getting this gym partner (who shall remain nameless) that either showed up late or didn't show up at all... Trust me I used her absences as an excuse not to workout. So this week I am trying to get caught up on all my blogging and projects.

So what am I up to today?

Trying to get 2 treatments in this week before Friday since I want to braid or twist my hair this weekend (depends on what I feel like). Earlier this week I was under the steamer doing a deep treatment. Tonight I am here detoxing with a bentonite clay mask with apple cider vinegar, olive oil and water. Since I never have time to do a face mask I did that as well.


Let me leave you with these pictures of my hair tonight

XO
/bye

Just Because

Where you can find me

Hiya

I know that I have been missing for a bit but I have been real busy. You can find me on the following blogs:

• Naturally Curly BVI
• The Crafters Corner
• Facebook