Battle against the Build Up ...

I really appreciate Cheleski's Blog  http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk/  I have not had much time to do much over the last few months, but I did manage to read 'Why I took my locks down' I found this post  so informative it made me even more vigilant in regard to build up.

When I paid attention to my own locs, I saw it, and really have to be very careful as I am in the zone of 3 to 4 years where the issue becomes increasingly prominent.

So this weekend I used 2 new moisturising products which appeared initially to be water based, they were both 'opaque' and both appeared to become clear when rubbed between palms, but suddenly I noticed white spotting all over my head! Not too sure but i think it was the Matrix Biolage, hair tonic.

It was clarifying time, I gently brushed my locks first, then to bath, using Dax vegetable oil shampoo,  I tried to wash my hair as if I were 'washing clothes' a section at a time, rinsed and then applied ACV all over, I left it on for 5 minutes or maybe more, rinsed again and shampooed using Awapuhi Shampoo which also removes build up as well as hydrates. (During the process I recalled that my BIG salt based shampoo was a very good clarifier, and that maybe I would use that next time, followed by my Matrix Biolage Hadratherapie shampoo which is very moisturising, bringing a balance to the drying effects of BIG. People it really does pay to mix it up, products work more effectively when alternated, all the reviews and studies I have encountered always say the good effects wear off, after regular use.

YES, I do have a LOAD of products but I also have a 15 year old who has been growing a MASS of natural hair  for almost 3 years and his hair is guzzling down my hair products and shampoo etc like nobodies business. Not to mention my natural sisters who I product test and recommend for, so all I do is hand the goods over, simple! Waste not, want not!! :D ...

I took a few pics after cleansing and could still see a little bit of residue, but not as bad as before, I plan on buying a new brush and gently brush out the ends before bed, then snugly cover my head before sleep. Low maintenance does not mean NO maintenance, but I am happy to take care of that which I value! Best Moisturiser to date is still my number one PAUL MITCHELL Awapuhi moisture mist, water based, and perfect for my loc type.

Longer Locs.

Some are looonger than others ...

I just have to mention the length variance I am going thru, its very obvious at the moment, take a look at the pic, can you guess where this longer lock is growing from?
I am due a ReTi this weekend and I had to re tighten this one yesterday because the regrowth was quite a lot, its one of many, but I will not complain. Its actually growing from the very front line of my head, which is very strange as it used to be the shortest area and slowest growth!! Suddenly, its in my food! Lol!

BEWARE,

Some loc types are quicker to unravel than others! As I have soft hair it appears to unravel easily, because I use moisturising shampoos I have some locs that have loose ends. Could you then imagine the effects if I did use conditioner? Interesting huh?
Any way until next time, thanks for passing by my blog. You are all appreciated, I know I don't respond as quickly as before but my time is rare and short. So please take a moment to let me know if you have been browsing or have any constructive comments to add. N'joi xx

Happy Hair, hints, tips and pics!

The installation of my SisterLocks is responsible for the enhancment of my beauty routine (which was never low maintenance by any means! lol). In particular, my skincare. I first purchased AAA Shea Butter African Black Soap to wash my locs and for some reason I cannot recall I used it on my skin, and was thrilled with the results. This brand is the most effective I have found at removing acne and the scarring over time, the only thing ever to have worked this well.

THE JOURNEY.

1. I find that It can be good practice to alternate products to achieve the best result for your hair type. Select the few effective shampoos that give you the desired result and maybe alternate seasonally or whenever the mood hits!

2. Build up becomes increasingly obvious on longer locks as a) You can now obviously see more of them unlike before. b) They tend to come in contact with increased amounts of undesirable fabrics and material.

 3. I Use a Clarifying shampoo first and moisturising shampoo for second wash to condition and restore moisture.

4. Not all MATURE Lock types can manage cream conditioners, (I just can't seem to rinse rinse rinse enough!) If you are like me, then try a leave in water based conditioner. I have recommended a few.

5. To avoid unnecesary build up, cover hair at night with silk/satin bonnet or scarf and pony tail, if possible, when travelling on public transport.

6. Before Sisterlocks I was never a grease-your-scalp type girl. I couldn't understand why I needed to.

Only when I had my SL's installed did I find out that my hair type actually prefers water. I ALWAYS loved washing my hair but didn't know my hair liked it more! So I find that using a light water/oil based spritz 2 to 4 times a week keeps my locks happy, depending on the season. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi moisture mist forever its 5*!

7. 

7. I regularly braid out now, the pics here and below are an after-wash braid out. I use Crinkles and Curls in between washes. Braid outs after wash last longer on my hair type, however they didn't ever last longer than 48 hours.

8. Steaming is a regular treat overall, but find it great for my hair :).

The Current Routine, revised each season.

NEW, Yes to carrots (tomatoes!) Suave daily clarifying, Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo.

REGULAR, in rotation, Paul Mitch Awapuhi Mist,
Arosci leave in conditioner and KEMI conditioning spray.

Crinkles and Curls for baidouts etc.

9. Frequently I have read reviews about SUAVE clarifying shampoo, well experience is a great thing because I completely agree with is effectiveness in dealing with build up. Annoyingly, I had noticed so much more of it recently. However, I have used Suave twice and the results are clear ... It works!

10. My locks love pure Coconut oil, but I can no longer stand the scent, so need to find a suitable alternative ... :(. I currently heat it up and blend with olive oil in various forms.

11. Brushing ... simply love it! There is a video log on YouTube about lock brushing, it recommends that brushing before washing will dislodge any debris that may eventually embed itself. I don't have a special brush but I do use gentle strokes.