It's almost been a year since my last blow dry and flat iron experience. I can really see the difference from not applying any heat to my hair. My hair has gotten a lot fuller and stopped breaking off. Over the past year, I have been pretty consistent with my hair regimen and it’s working. The tools that I use are a spray bottle, detangling comb, plastic bag and a scarf. My staple products are a sulfate-free shampoo, detangling deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and oils.
During the past year, I wore my hair in braid out styles. My weekly routine included a nightly spraying my hair with water, re-braiding in larger sections and wrapping it in a scarf. In the morning, I applied coconut oil to help seal in the moisture for the day. When I did this, it stretched my curls and cut out the "matted" look (a special thank you to Chicoro for the advice on refreshing my braid out). In addition, I co-wash 2-3 times during the week using either Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner or Giovanni's Smooth As Silk Conditioner. This is followed up with a leave-in conditioner (Kimmaytube's recipe) and a little avocado oil on the braids before they are wrapped.
Typically, my wash day required at least four hours. I started the night before by doing a pre-poo. At that time, I detangled my hair with my fingers and added either Amla or olive oil to each section before twisting it. Once completed, I tied a plastic bag* on my hair and went to bed. I completed the shampoo process using Curls Creamy Curl Cleanser. This shampoo removed dirt without creating a lot of tangles or shedding that I've experienced with other natural shampoo products. After conditioning, I followed the same steps as above only alternating Argan oil instead of avocado oil to seal my braids.
* (Disclaimer: It is not recommended that you sleep in a plastic bag.)
It has almost been a year since my last flat iron experience. I didn't think that I could last a year without thermal curling my hair - especially for special occasions. The challenge of retaining growth while creating styles that I could wear to formal events or the office was not easy. But, If you are on a no-heat challenge, I encourage you to keep going. You will see the difference within the first month. I will probably get my hair blown out for a professional trim early next year, until that time, my journey continues.
What are your tips for no-heat challenges or encouraging advice that you would like to share?
