Straightening Your Hair for the Winter? Brazilian Blow Out?

I found this article on Essence.com and thought it would be a good thing to share, especially since a lot of naturals seek to straighten their hair during the winter.  Anytime salons are requiring a mask be worn during the procedure, I'd say that's a reason to throw up a red flag! 

The 'Brazilian Blowout' Causes Controversy

Photo:  Essence.com

“If you like to rock smooth, swingy strands, then you're probably familiar with the latest craze in hair-straightening: The Brazilian Blowout. This hot new treatment smooths kinks and frizz with a solution containing protein-rich keratin. However, according to an intriguing piece in The New York Times, an occupational health agency in Oregon found significant levels of formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout solution last month--an ingredient that's extremely dangerous if present in high levels. The agency conducted tests when several stylists issued complaints about "nosebleeds, breathing problems and eye irritation" after applying the Brazilian Blowout treatment.

In response to the recent findings, salons like Sally Hershberger in L.A. and New York and Manhattan's John Barrett Salon have banned the Brazilian Blowout. Other salons can't afford to lose such a profit-making treatment, so they adjust, offering industrial-strength respirators to stylists and clients, or administering the treatment oudoors on patios and terraces. Many other salons believe the formaldehyde scare is an overreaction. "I say, you put Botox in your face, lead in your lipstick, and you smoke," said Neil Weisberg, co-owner of the Neil George salon, in an interview with The New York Times. "Pick your poison."

Winter Blues - Winter Hair Resolutions/Regimen

 

So that my hair doesn’t have the Winter Blues like I do, I am adopting a new regimen.  Although I’ve been natural for several years, this is my first winter wearing my natural hair in its curly state so we will see how things go.  At the end of the season, I will reevaluate.

I, CC, do solemnly swear to do the following:

Clarify

I have found that there is good and bad when it comes to products that contain “cones”.  While cones do seal the hair shaft, preventing your hair from absorbing moisture, they also aid in helping your mane remain conditioned longer.  Bottom line, some hair likes cones, mine does!  I plan to use a clarifying shampoo when I do use products containing cones. 

What clarifying shampoo will I use?  Neutrogena Anti Residue Shampoo.   After which I will shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo, which leads me to my next resolution.

Shampoo

I promise to do a lot more co – washing this winter.  Since your scalp does not produce as much sebum during the winter, I do not want to use shampoos as often, which can dry your hair out more.  However, when I do shampoo, it will be with a moisturizing shampoo.

What shampoo will I use?  Trader Joes Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Shampoo.  I also recently purchased Suave Almond Shea Moisture shampoo after reading a review from Mop Top Maven.  I have not tried it yet but I will soon.  Review to come at a later date.

What will I use to co –wash?  Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, Long Term Relationship, Yes to Tomatoes.

Conditioner

I promise to ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS apply a leave in conditioner.  This is not something I did consistently before but again, the cold winter air robs your hair of its natural moisture leaving your hair defenseless!

What leave in will I use?  Kinky Curly Knot Today, Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness.

Deep Conditioner

Since I do have color in my hair, I have to do my best to add moisture, which for me means more frequent deep conditioning.  Sometimes I get lazy and only deep condition once per month.  I am going to deep condition once per week during the cold season.  Depending on who you ask, some say there is a such thing as too much conditioning.  My opinion is – it depends on your hair. 

*to lock in the moisture, I rinse with cool or cold water to close the cuticle.

What will I use?  Honey and Oil (coconut or olive) Homemade concoction and Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol.  I will probably end up purchasing something else along the way.

Detangling

I promise to take the time to thoroughly detangle!  This is extremely important in preventing knots and loss of hair! 

What will I use?  My fingers and my Ouidad Double Detangler.  I also recently purchased a Denman brush, which I will use after I detangle with the comb to smooth it out more.

Styling

I promise to experiment with protective styles.  Protective styles do just that – protect.  Any style that keeps your ends covered and does not require daily manipulation is a protective style.  To date I have only tried one – the bun, which is one of my favorites when I wear it straight as well. 

Absolutely NO WASH & GOs!

Several reasons I will fore-go the W&G during the winter.

1.      Your hair is extremely vulnerable when it is just out and about!  All of the elements are free to attack and suck all of the moisture out. 

2.      I do not like leaving the house with my hair wet – especially when it’s cold!  I also do not want all of the shrinkage.  Diffusing is not an option for me before I go to work because everyone in my home is still sleeping. 

What styling products will I use?  I will alternate between Oyin Whipped Pudding, Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade, Aveda Defining Whip and Shea butter.

Give the color a break

 I said “break” not eliminate.  I will NEVER eliminate my color…I will, however, refrain from any color applications until at least May.  I am thinking of trying the Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner for color treated hair.  I’m always looking for a reason to buy more products! 

What hair regimen will you adopt for the winter?  If there are products you have tried that you would recommend, please comment!  If you would like to do a product review to help other naturals/transitioners or relaxed women, please complete the contact form.

Everything Must Change - My First Curly Winter

Since this is my first winter wearing my hair in its curly state, I thought it would be helpful to share with you the #1 oil that will be in heavy rotation during this winter season.  In previous years, I would only wear my curls during the summer.  As the winter season approaches, you will find that your hair will not respond to the same regimen you used during the warmer months forcing you to make a few changes.  Strong winds and dry air do not go well with natural hair, however, coconut oil does a great job of combating this.

I apply coconut oil daily and it leaves my hair extremely soft and shiny with no greasy feeling.  Because of the molecular structure of coconut oil, it penetrates through the hair shaft and works with the natural hair proteins.  It is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes.  It also seals in moisture, which is especially important to me because I color my hair.  For deep conditioning with coconut oil, prior to shampooing, apply a generous amount of melted oil throughout the hair.  Add a plastic cap and leave the oil in the hair for several hours (I leave it in overnight).

Do you use coconut oil?  If not, what’s your fave oil?