DawninTexas

First I would like to thank everyone for every single post! I'm still learning, but what a difference 5 days and a hair cut make.

I tried and tried to take a better photo of my whole head because my hair looks the best it has in forever. Because my hair is so dark I just can manage a decent photo.

Here's a close up and my hair looks like this all the way around! Super stoked!

mhen76

Gorgeous! So glad you are having success! What routine have you found that works so well? Sharing your successes helps us all!

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3B, fine, normal to low porosity
Modified CG since June 2010
HGs: FSG, anything with glycerin, Tresemme Naturals conditioner, Curls Like Us cloths, satin pillowcases.

DawninTexas

Thank you mhen76!


CO-Wash: Sauve Everlasting Sunshine
RO: Tresemme Naturals
LI: As I am LI
Stylers: Homemade Flaxseed Hair Gel(Love this stuff!) and Deva Arc Angel and a few sprays of Herbal Essence Tousling Spray Gel.

I plopped in a floursack towel while I applied my makeup. All stylers were applied upside down, I find this works best for me. I raked them in and scrunched. I also did a little with my head tilted right side up. I have to make sure I get the underneath and the middle of my back, that is where I get dry looking and fuzzy. I also clipped my top, I had never done this before. I used to run my fingers through my hair all day at the top to try to get to stay the way I liked it, who knew I was just creating a mess. Clips FTW! I also air dried today.

One question...will I ever have to "wash" my hair with a sulfate free shampoo? We have very hard water here in Texas and I have read that can cause build up too.

rbb

your hair looks great!

yes, you will have to low poo from time to time.

and/or you can use curl junkie daily fix -- it is a cleansing conditioner that has a cleating agent that helps to remove mineral build up. ( you can get it at aveyou.com with the code ALLCHIC for 20% off. and the shipping is either $5 for under $50, $1 for 50+. or at curlmart when they have a sale.)

i use curl junkie gentle cleanser for my low poo and cj daily fix as my cowash. there are many low poos out there.

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3a, some 2c & 3b, medium texture, porosity normal, low elasticity
washing/cowashing, conditioning, leave in, protein tx: curl junkie products. styling:curl junkie conditioners only at times, cj pattern pusha, cj honey butta leave in, cj ciab, cccc, lalsg. cj aloe fix gel is my high dews/summer HG!! sealants - spiral solutions emollience butter, jane carter nourish & shine

mhen76

I low-poo regularly - once or twice a week. May hair is fine and the porosity is on the low side. It's easy for me to get build-up and regular low-poos help tremendously. Once every few months, I'll clarify with a gentle sulfate shampoo prior to a DT. There are many curlies here who don't use shampoos at all with great results. There are many who low-poo regularly and there are many who still use sulfates. Finding where you fit on the spectrum is a matter of trial and error. Your routine sounds great. If it continues to work for you, keep it up. Tweak it if it doesn't.

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3B, fine, normal to low porosity
Modified CG since June 2010
HGs: FSG, anything with glycerin, Tresemme Naturals conditioner, Curls Like Us cloths, satin pillowcases.

earthnut

Vinegar rinses can help with hard water buildup. You can use 1 tsp vinegar in 1 cup water everyday if you wish, or a stronger solution less often.

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2c (3a potential?), M, ii, porous, good elasticity, APL, dark brown with a silver lining.
Love coconut oil, olive oil, and Everyday Shea!
HGs are simple, natural, and destroy frizzzz!!

proudcurlygirly

What gorgeous, luscious curls you have Dawn! Great to hear your routine is working for you.

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UK Curly
Curl type : Boticelli, 3a, loose curls
Porosity : High
Texture : Fine/medium (I think!)
Co-wash/rinse out/leave in : L'oreal Full Restore 5, GFR&S, Schwarzkopf Bio Pomegranite
Gels : Umberto Giannini Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly
Finish product : Boots Naked Style Frizz Fighter Serum or a pea-sized blob of condish smoothed over canopy
CG since Feb 2011

jlpmom23

Dawn, your hair is gorgeous!!!

I have horribly hard water, and the only thing that works to keep the mineral build-up away is a weekly shampoo w/ Ion Hard Water shampoo from Sally's. It is wonderful, and makes all the difference in the world in my hair.

DawninTexas

Thank you everyone.

My hubby took me to Lowe's yesterday and bought me a Sprite water filter for our shower. I am hoping it will help not only my hair but the water spots all over the glass, which aren't too bad since I scrubbed them all off until I thought my arms were going to fall off. And we now squeegee the glass every time we shower.

I guess I should "clarify" once more? I've been putting it off because I feel like I am cheating on my hair, I really wanted to give up the shampoo once and for all.

Thanks again for everyone's help and compliments.

Gretchen

So glad you've found a routine that works for you!

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Gretchen
NaturallyCurly.com co-founder
3A

You are beautiful!