You may remember that I am on a self-imposed 6 month "no-heat + protective styling" retention-focused challenge. So far it's been going quite well. I already introduced to you how I had been wearing my hair for work-outs and for maintaining healthy hair, i.e twists. I wore them for about 4 weeks pre-relaxer, and at 2.5 weeks post relaxer, here I am rocking twists again. I can't help it! They are just such a convenient and sensible do.
So today, I am sharing with you my weekly routine and the steps I take to retain maximum length:
- Deep condition 1x per week, choosing between a moisture or protein-based treatment as I see fit. More often than not though, I am reaching for a moisturizing deep conditioner. Recently L'OREAL Power Moisture Rush Mask has been the fave. Followed by either a co-wash or a shampoo.
- T-shirt and air-dry, then install twists. (Sometimes twists get installed the following day due to my
lazinessbusy schedule.) - Mist the ends of the twists (and dust them once a month or so) , following that with a coating of heavy oil (castor oil used so far) and put twists in a bun.
- Co-wash approximately every other day primarily to rinse away sweat, adding moisture in the process.
- Twists remain super moisturized, so moisturize as needed, usually every other day after washing.
- Baggy at least once per week.
** Additionally, I intend to remain consistent with my supplementation. I am currently ingesting a multivitamin and a biotin tablet daily, along with other supplements on a less consistent basis including fish oil and a tablet containing calcium, magnesium, & zinc. I also intend to include MSM somewhere along the journey but it's so difficult to get a hold of in Jamaica.
This is actually my first week with the twists back in since I relaxed my hair. I am hoping to continue to execute this routine until December with a few breaks in between to try different styles and break up the monotony.
What do you do to ensure maximum length retention?
Hi Abbi... nice regimen. I also keep my hair in twists everyday and wear wigs. But my best length retention routine is finger detangling exclusively. It has helped me retain so much length. I think you should try it and see how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteI love finger detangling but I'm a little OCD about getting "fully" detangled with a comb. Maybe I should make a real effort to only finger detangle!
DeleteHi Abbi, how do you get the twists to stay twisted and not loosen up? I tried braids and twists for washing and before I finish applying my pre-poo it's all loosened..
ReplyDeleteHey Noelle, I did the rope or Senegalese version where you lightly twist the 2 strands around themselves before twisting around each other. This helps them to stay twisted. But if they do come loose, I just twist them back up.
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