Winter 2014 Hair Update

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LOVES the volume after a fresh wash!

I’ve recently received a few inquiries about my Winter 2014 hair regimen. Here’s what I’ve been doing this winter to keep my wig looking right.

STEP 1 – Wipe the slate clean…

• (Biweekly) I scratch my scalp & shampoo my hair,
• Deep condition & detangle,
• Put on a plastic bag & sit under hooded dryer (on low heat) for about 15 minutes,
• Rinse conditioner out w/ cold water,
• Wrap a t-shirt around my hair (in a turban fashion) to dry

STEP 2 – Roller Set…

• I spray a light mist of TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray
• I mix Mango-scented Shea Butter & The Body Shop Macadamia straightening balm & apply it to each section of hair. This smoothes & seals my cuticles, minimizing my friz. I know what you’re gonna say… “Sham hasn’t that product been discontinued?” And my reponse would be “Yes, it has!” However, since 2011 I have bought several bottles from various eBay retailers, so I intend to keep using it until I can no longer replenish my stash! ;)
• I apply my FAVORITE leave-in solution (a 50/50 mix of H2O & African-Pride Leave-In Conditioner) to each section of hair before rolling it up.
• I sit under my hooded dryer, alternating between low & high heat until my wig is completely dry. This process generally takes about 2 hours.
• I remove the rollers & use a paddle brush to wrap my hair before tying it down & going to sleep.

STEP 3 – Style…

• After removing my scarf, I mist a little bit of shine spray, then fluff & seperate my curls.
• I smoothe my edges using a touch of Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade (as needed).

STEP 4 – Maintain…

• Nighttime routine: I alternate between wrapping & dry rolling my hair
• On rainy days, like today, I bun it up to keep it stretched & to prevent my curls from reverting.

  My rainy day bun

BOTTOM LINE: My 2014 hair regimen isn’t at that different from that of two years ago. The main difference is that I use a bit less heat now. Whereas before I was ALL ABOUT straightening my roots, I have chilled out with that. My hair is longer than it was back then, so it actually hangs differently. In a nutshell, longer hair = more elongated curls, so when you add flat-ironed your roots to the equation, you end up with ZERO volume :( Additionally, actively sectioning & straightening curly/puffy roots is time consuming, I prefer more passive methods of acheiving smooth edges. For me, the tension from wrapping and/or bunning my hair is usually just enough to give the appearance of a sleek hairline.

What are you doing this winter to keep your wig looking tight?