Mature Sisterlocks - maintenance, routines, fine locks, lint and loose ends.

Hey fellow lock bloggers,

I know! Its ridiculous, I only managed ONE post this last month and I was on summer break! It took me at least a week to complete as I was doing so many other things. I would start and stop and so I forgot to upload product images.
The Truth that is Knotty asked if I was still product testing, I don't  as much anymore because I know what works for me. I keep checking out good products as I am always aware that stuff can be discontinued and that is annoying. I check reviews and availability on Amazon as I like it if products can be delivered as opposed to me going out shopping ;)

I thought I would produce a list for my simple routine.
Routine...

1. Reti via consultant Liz.

2. Reti myself once or twice a year depending on her availability.

3. Wash, shampoo only - I do not condition. My shampoos are volumising to increase body and moisturising.

4. I simply braid wet or leave alone (straight).

5. I use Taliah Wajid healing oil or Monoi oil from the Body Shop or a home special blend of olive oil with essential oils added. Not a lot, just enough to alleviate any slight dryness which is not often.

6. I use Kiehls amino acid shampoo as my first shampoo (main ingredient coconut oil) which my locks adore. then shampoo with I use Olio di Argan  Nourishing shampoo. I was unaware that this product is also sulphate free ...

Loose ends ...

I read somewhere that if you use a moisturising or nourishing shampoo you are really conditioning it.
I guess there is a truth in that as the moisture agents used have a conditioning affect.
The evidence of this  can be seen as the ends of my locks are becoming loose, which does not bother me really. I no longer suffer from dry dehydrated locks. In fact this year has been a a warm one for the south of UK (which is a very pleasant change).

Brushing ... 

Again paying homage to the Knotty Truths Blog  http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk ...  as it was under her guidance that I have managed to avoid lint and build up in my locks, not to say I am totally lint free, but I do pay a LOT of attention to the ends of my locks and am weary about fluffy stuff and weary of a general dusty house. I do not have carpet in the majority of the house and dust can build up. I have purchased a few good hair brushes, soft bristle which I find very effective, but beware, they can also help looses locks, especially if you have soft hair, even if your locked, your hair still has its characteristics I have found ...
For further guidance on brushing and lint prevention please read Knotty Truths Blog  http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk ...

Shopping ...

These products were purchased from a variety of stores.

TKmaxx is my product shopping fave as it has many obscure brands of shampoo that are little known. I use MakeUpAlley as a directory to check reviews of a product and then price check against Amazon prices to ensure I am getting a good deal.
My current fave shampoo Phytorelax Olio di Argan shampoo is only sold in the USA on amazon and sold only in the UK through TKmaxx ... so I bought as MANY as I could.

The UK TKmaxx though is very inconsistent with pricing and what I pay in North London I could pay double when I am in the South of London. I complained because I don't know why they think this is ok? Anyway they have already been challenged about their pricing on a TV show this year. They need to start listening ...

Than you for reading, I know your out there and hope you find this information useful.

Five years of maintenance and simple routines.

Its been a while

It has been an unintentional while since my last post, I have been up to a lot and just couldn't find time. Well my Sisterlocks have been an absolute joy, the weather has been really sunny for the past few months mingled in with a few minor rain showers, it has been beautiful. My staple hairdo has been a single up do, ponytails or two side twists from various angles, no fuss, just keeping it simple.

My Routine

I braid out frequently, but occasionally it does not last long, I guess it depends on how small I do the braids. I still use Moisture Mist by Paul Mitchell as a wetting agent, my usual setting lotion has varied I have been product testing in that area but still prefer Crinkles and Curls.

Washing

Shampooing is a dream, I am renewing my connections with Kiehls Amino Acid shampoo. I think this one is a forever ever shampoo. My locks love it right now, I can't accurately describe how they feel but I can just tell that there is a difference, they feel so good, a soft, moist cotton feeling. 

To enhance the effect I have found another keeper called Argan Oil Nourish Shampoo by Phytorelax a company based in Italy. These 2 little beauties were made for each other, they compliment each other fabulously. This shampoo is the ONE, apparently SLS etc free too! I can only purchase this at TKMax and because of this I buy a bottle of it every opportunity I get!

It has been a very warm and dry summer, but but thank to this combination I no longer suffer from thirsty locks! This clearly means no conditioner ... Still!

I can tell you that I have had no need to condition (except for spritzing with Moisture Mist) nothing heavy duty. I am 5 years and almost 3 months Sisterlocked.

ReTi

This last week I accomplished my first self ReTi for the year!!

It took me 12 hours in total over two days! Good thing I'm on summer break! I don't have that kind of time free anymore, unless I do it over a weekend. A BIG shout out to my fellow bloggers who posted comments to celebrate my year 5 post! Y'all are the faithful few and I am grateful for the LOVE! xx