Paraty's Profile

Mar 09, 2013 - My scalp and hair have never been happier! I have long 4a hair and made major investments in conditioners and moisturizers rather than cleansers. I did not believe in spending money on something that would dry out my hair no matter what package or bottle it came in. I soon realized that the battle to retain moisture began not with my conditioners, but with gentle non-stripping cleansers. It also makes sense that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, not with trying to moisturize unhealthy hair. After that realization, I started using shampoos again for the sake of a healthy scalp, but my hair would take days to recover the lost moisture. I eventually found great conditioning cleansers, which I still use now, but my scalp sometimes needs a deeper cleanse after weeks of product use. The John Masters Organics Evening Primrose shampoo allows my scalp to get clean and take a breath. I use it once every two weeks (diluted in an applicator bottle), and a conditioning cleanser in between. The added bonus is that it doesn't dry out my hair, but leaves it shiny + springy. I recommend this to all highly textured ladies!

Mar 09, 2013 - I have 4a hair. Love this! Started using three years ago when the AOHSR was leaving my hair too poofy in the summer time. Great at smoothing the hair, reducing frizz, giving sheen and even makes my hair darker (probably because it increases moisture). I mainly use it on damp or damp-dry hair to deep conditioner then wash out with a gentle cleanser. You may need to condition again after deep-co ing with this if you're using a strong shampoo. I shampoo it out with Curl Junkie daily fix or John Masters Evening Primrose so never need to condition after. This is also great on wet hair, but one star off because it sometimes leaves an oily film when used that way. The film can be good for moisture or cause more buildup depending on how clean my hair is. I avoid it, by using less on wet hair. I say definitely give this a try if you need an accessible deep conditioner.

Oct 28, 2012 - As a fine and coily 4a/4b (with low porosity) I learned slowly that I needed a water-based leave-in to style and retain moisture in my hair whether I was wearing it coily, a twisout, or flat-ironing. Super heavy leave-ins did not absorb, leave-ins with too much oil frizzed up my hair, and creamy leave-ins only worked well over water-based leave-ins (a combination I now use on my hair during all seasons except for summer). When I first tried KCKT, my coily hair shrunk up into frizz and brittleness and I couldn't understand what was happening. I later realized that KCKT has a very low ph meant to seal the cuticles of the hair and smooth it so that it is prime for styling and receiving more moisture. After learning that, I understood how to use it best for my hair and it is now a necessary staple that makes a true difference in my regimen. When I do not use it, I notice that my hair does not retain as much moisture, and my styles are less smooth and long lasting. Like a base coat applied to the nail before nail polish, KCKT preps the hair for styling by creating a smooth surface. How I use: I mix a little in a spritz bottle with water (distilled water if you live in a hard water climate) and spray on my hair after washing/conditioning. This allows me to use as little as possible, while still achieving great results. Essentially, water activates the KCKT so no need to glob too much in your hair when you can dilute it in a bottle and get the same results. I then grab large sections of my hair and twirl into mini-buns that I pin up to allow the KCKT to absorb. Since my hair is low porosity, it needs encouragement for product to absorb. I tidy up, shower whatever I need to do and by the time I take down the buns, my hair is shiny, smooth and clumped into perfection. I then smooth a heavier leave-in (i.e. Oyin Hair Dew, AOHC or whatever you like) onto each section, a little sealant on the ends (Sophia's Hair Grease, KBB Creamylicious, shea butter, whatever works for you), add a styler if I want a sleeker look (i.e. KCCC, FSG) then style my hair. Overall, I've learned that KCKT acts as a smoothing leave-in and helps attract and retain moisture, although it does not provide high amounts of moisture. Perhaps if it provided enough moisture, it wouldn't be as smoothing as it is?