Updated March 30, 2013
Here’s my current regimen, I try to keep it fairly simple. Regarding products, I am generally modified CG, meaning, I will use more “advanced” silicones that are not as prone to build up (like amodimethicone and bis-aminopropyl dimethicone) as “harsher” cones. I do not use sulfates if I can help it.
- Wash hair with shampoo 1x a week in 4 sections (pinned up with alligator clips) – I no longer cowash. Remember, cowashing is technically using conditioner to clean your scalp. I use conditioner on the length of my hair, and shampoo or a cleansing conditioner (like Ouidad) concentrating on my scalp.
- Condition or use a cleansing conditioner (like Curl Junkie Daily Fix) when I am redoing my wash n go (4 sections again), depending on how my hair feels and if I feel the product has left some build up (usually every 2-3 days, could be daily if I don’t like my second day hair or am playing with products)
**While washing my hair in sections, I wash and condition each section before moving onto the next IF I am using shampoo. If I’m using a cleansing conditioner, I will leave it in for a few minutes after applying to all sections to allow it to work, then rinse and oil rinse/condition.**
- DC 1x (Steam, overnight DC, dry DC – varies) a week. I don’t really use my steamer much anymore, but only because I’m lazy.
- Daily Style – Wash and Go (applying product in 8 sections), bun, or ponytail. Since I mainly wear my hair out (I’d say about 85% of the time), I wrote an article with tips on retaining length without protective styling. I still do braids and twist outs, but not that often because they take me a long time to do.
- Wash and Go Product Combo/Order
- Leave-In + Styler + Finisher
- Leave-In + Styler + Sealer
- Leave-In + Styler + Finisher + Sealer on ends (I promise it’s not a lot of product!)
- Styler + Finisher
- Styler + Sealer
- Leave-In + Finisher
What’s the difference between how I use a styler and a finisher?
Wash and Gos: I do not apply products differently depending on what I am using. I have tried different methods of styling and raking/smoothing works best for my hair. This video is up to date with how I style even though my hair is much longer. When something works, I stick with it!
- Sleeping! – Sadly, Izzy has outgrown my SM hood – my hair sticks out a LOT unless I tie it at the end. So, here’s the new routine at the moment:
UPDATE: I have been sleeping with my LocSoc – my hair still sticks out but it doesn’t mess up my hair like the SM hood did. However, I would NOT purchase another one due to customer service issues (Specifically, I ordered a longer soc and they sent me a shorter one. I contacted them several times to see if they even had the longer soc in stock and they never replied to me. I also emailed them before they shipped my product asking them to confirm that I was getting the longer length.).
Again, always sleep with a satin pillowcase!
- Moisturize/fluff out daily using a water based moisturizer (Faves: Oyin Hair Dew) or oil (Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm or Elixir, HerbnLife Butterfly Gold) when refreshing a wash and go. If my hair is too stretched, I will spritz it with a refresher spray so it shrinks up some (HerbnLife Head Sprung)
- Sealing – Since my hair is longer, I have started sealing my ends more to keep them lubricated and minimize breakage and splits. In addition to sealing in moisture, using an oil or pomade on your ends forms a protective barrier between your hair and the elements/items of friction (clothing, bag straps, etc). Check the HG list for my favorite pomades and sealers! (See hyperlinked video for more info)
- Trimming – I try to keep my SSKs to a minimum by moisturizing like crazy. However, I do search and destroys for the rare split and SSKs when I see them. My last trim was on February 18, 2013 (I trimmed about an inch). Sometimes I trim my bangs a little so they frame my face and because I look at them the most. I don’t like them looking raggedy, lol!
- Detangling – I finger detangle in the shower when I condition my hair to get out shed hairs and make sure there aren’t any bad knots. Every 1-2 weeks I detangle using my Mason Pearson Rake Comb.
- Heat/Diffusing – I diffuse as needed when my hair is soaking wet and I have things to do! Otherwise, I air dry. I flat iron my hair maybe every 4 months or so? Really when the mood hits me and the climate is optimal (meaning, not much in summer because it will just frizz out anyway).
Also, I continue to get questions about my hair color. Please check out this post for a thorough review of what I have used. Since that time, the only thing I did was add indigo to my henna mix (mixed them about half and half). However, I am no longer using henna or indigo (last use was the end of February). I dyed my hair at the beginning of 2012 in order to attempt to make the red less noticeable, check out the post on my dye experience here. The last time I dyed my hair was in September 2012 (dyed it dark brown/black).
- Ayurvedic Herbs – I no longer use herbs on my hair, mainly because I am lazy. Some also seem to be a little too acidic for my low porosity hair (Acidic products may have a negative effect on LP hair b/c the cuticle is already tighter, so acidic products may hinder moisture absorption. Always check the pH of your mixes when using ayurvedic herbs to ensure it isn’t too low – I’ve tested some of mine and they end up being 2-3, which is way too low for me.)
WINTER ROUTINE UPDATE
Battling temperatures of 30 degrees or less has caused me to focus on moisture retention x1000. It is my KEY priority for winter. A couple of things that have seemed to help are applying either a heavy cream or a leave in and sealer FIRST, then letting my hair sit for 10-15 minutes before I apply my styler. I have also been wetting my hair less (1-2 times a week) so I’m not walking around with soaking wet, frozen hair. Usually I will wear it out, or in a single braid or bun. Lastly, I have not used shampoo except my HerbnLife one (which is very slippy) and have mainly used cleansing conditioners (true cleansers, NOT cowashing traditionally) – my faves are Curl Junkie Daily Fix and Ouidad Curl Cowash.
xoxo
Elle,
Love your info and sharing! When you styling your hair in a bun or ponytail, is it simply on 2nd or 3rd day hair after a wash n go? Or do you ever wash, condition, and style as a bun/ponytail? If the latter, what products do you use? Thanks so much
It can be either or. I have a bunning tutorial that should be helpful to you – I also have a couple of videos on bun styles on dry hair. I hope that helps!
Hi Elle- Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to prevent extra dry roots. I’ve been experimenting with wash and goes/CG method. As my hair dries throughout the day and toward the evening, my roots are super puffy, dry and hard. I can barely run my fingers through. In addition to the wng and cg method, twice a week I would spritz my hair with warm water, apply a leave in or oils and sleep with a plastic cap. Again, super dry roots once hair dries. I have to admit I don’t DC weekly. could this be the problem? Thanks in advance for your response.
It could be a number of things…you need to assess your regimen and determine why your roots are dry. Is it just your roots? If you aren’t applying product in sections, you may be missing them. You could also have build up from not washing as well, or it could be the products in your climate. Assess it further and determine a course of action. Good luck!
Hi elle
I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE LOW POROSITY HAIR. My natural hair is very dry and i think damaged due to the fact that i didnt know how to take care of it. My question is due you recommend i cut off alot of my hair and start fresh or do the cherry lola and it will be good.
It is 100% up to you – you need to figure out if your damage is irreparable and why it happened so you can prevent it from happening again. Just a note though – cherry lolas don’t repair your hair besides the possible shot of from from the yogurt and amino acids (where the effect is debatable b/c it’s not hydrolyzed protein – I have a video going over proteins as well).
So would it be a bad idea to do A strong protein treatment one week and than the next week do the cherry lola since its not strong. And thank you soo much for answering my 1st question
Again, you need to determine the source of your damage. Unless you have done something to break down the protein in your hair, a protein tx may not be necessary.
Hey Elle!
Do you seal every day? Like after you fluff in the morning or only after your initial styling session?
Did you watch the sealing video linked in the blurb? I go over how/when I seal then.
Hey Elle,
I recently received my last perm 3 weeks, so I’m a extra newbie newbie. Haha. I’ve been watching your videos for a couple months and I love them; but, I was wondering if you could do a video or article about all the natural hair “terms” or “lingo”? Thank you!
Hey Iman, I probably won’t do a post like that because I have seen a bunch already. I know that they usually have a sticky thread on natural hair forums as well. Is there a specific term in my videos that you didn’t understand?
Hey Elle,
This may be a silly question but can you please explain the wng product combo section above. For me it’s not really clear. Thanks
Hi Tas, it’s just the order in which I apply my products – so for example, it’s like leave in first, then my styler, etc. Does that help?
Hey Elle, I read through it again. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems like it’s the order you apply products in depending on which products you are using. Like you may not always do each step based on which product you decided to use for that particular WNG. I think I got it. Thanks Elle.
Idk:’( Ugh I’m guessing because of the continuous brushing, and yes it has to be slicked down, but it’s never too tight. My hair is about bra strap length. I moisturize and seal every other day but where it’s worst at is the middle or crown I believe is the term.
Can you pull your hair back then put a scarf on overnight and it will slick down? That’s what I usually do for buns on 2nd/3rd day hair, put on gel or a heavy moisturizer and pull it back, then sleep with my scarf on. Works for me but I know everyone’s hair is diff.
Haha the only reason why I never tried that is because of the bad memories I have of the forehead indentations I would get from wrapping my hair when it was straighten. Fine hair, silk scarves, and satin pillows don’t mix lol, but I will definitely give it a try and let you know. Also, I wanted to try a protein treatment to aide in my breakage and I saw you had the CJ Repair Me! as a strong PT. Did you mean this generally speaking or specifically speaking on your behalf?
A million thank yous
Elle, I know you stay vocal about low manipulation as being a key point in retaining length. However, as a broke college student with a server/bartending job that requires I keep it pulled back in bun, this is an impossible task, and the culprit to my breakage. Do you have any suggestions? Maybe? I
Why is your bun causing breakage? Is it too tight? I don’t slick my buns back and they are loose. How long is your hair?
Hello!!!! =) Im so glad I found your blog. I use to wash and gos in the pass but stopped. I just got started agian so Im in the process of discovering what works. My question is what product do you use to 1. wash, 2. conditioner, 3. deep condition,and 4. sealing? =)
It’s under her HG Products tab:)
Elle you condition your hair every other day (2 days) right? How do you get it dry before leaving the house? I have to leave for work at 7am and my hair looks great on a fresh wash n go I would love to condition and style every other day but it’s difficult to do that as it would mean to always leaving home with wet hair? Any tips on how to get elongate wash and gos at mid long hair?
hey Elle. how oftern to you trim your hair?
How often do you DC? The list says: DC 1x (Steam, overnight DC, dry DC – varies). Is that once a week or once a month?
Week
cooool!!! totally answers my question!
thinking abt BCing it at the end of the month (to get rid of heat damaged ends… this whole time i’ve been natural ive been getting my hair fried (pressed monthly) not even thinking abt my natural curls)…
so I plan on testing it all; just had to make sure I understood the technique…
thx for that! and for all the information you share! your hair journey and hair knowledge is def inspiring to all the curly girls in the world who are trying to find themselves…
also idk if you’ve heard of them but I’d love to see you review uncle funky’s daughter products
blessings
Hey Elle,
What’s the different between cowashing and conditioning?
i’m a newbie… i understand the cowash… i just have this one question… you said you apply conditioner once you’re out of the shower… are you saying you:
1.Go from wet hair to a (non leave-in) conditioner, rinse, then style?
2.Go from wet hair to a (non leave-in) conditioner finger comb, then go?
3.Go from wet hair to a leave-in conditioner finger comb, then go?
ok, so that was more like 3 questions, Lol, but I need just a little more clarification
I saw the dry DC but wasn’t sure if leaving a non leave-in for 2-3 days was ok…
looking up sectioning as i wait on your reply =)
I’ve done all three. Well, I really only finger comb when I’m using my rinse out conditioner in the shower. Some conditioners I leave in are actual leave-ins, and some are regular conditioners. It just depends on what your hair likes. To be totally honest, this is one of those things where it’s best to experiment on your own – some non leave-ins aren’t moisturizing enough for ME, but other people love them, and some I love and others don’t.
Ok Elle, just for clarification. You don’t cowash anymore, I understand that. However, because your hair is longer you can get several days out of your wash and go so that makes sense. My question is, knowing what you know about your hair now if you had recently big chopped would you still not cowash? Because there is no way to get second day hair when you have a teeny twa lol.
Cowashing is different from conditioning. I still condition my hair probably every other day…multiday hair really isn’t a priority for me. Cowashing is how you cleanse your hair – I wash with shampoo now, and if I had a TWA I’d still stick with that. It doesn’t have anything to do with multiday hair though.
Im sorry If you get this question alot but i tried and couldnt find an answer! What do you consider your hair texture to be? somewhere in the 3′s?
I don’t type my hair.
What is the difference between a wash n go and a Cowash?
One is how you wear your hair and one is how you cleanse it.
Hi! Elle! you only wash your hair once a week? i’m impressed! it’s so hard to keep me away from the shampoo!
Elle! I want you to know that you are the absolute BOMB! I began transitioning in June from heat trained hair (no relaxer for 5 years). When I began, my hair was healthy and middle of my back length. I had recently colored my hair 3 months prior and discovered the natural community shortly after. I decided to no longer straighten my hair and thus my journey began. It was complete hell because my hair would tangle so freaking badly no matter what I did. So I purchased the science of black hair and learned about why my hair was so dry and super tangled. I had protein overload and my color didn’t help. I was a wreck and purchased product after product. I refused to big chop because i felt if I couldn’t take care of this I couldn’t care for my hair when it grew back out. Then you recommended creme of nature moisture and shine shampoo. My hair never, ever, felt soft or moisturized until I used this! Also, Oyin honey hemp!! OMG!! I knowed there was a God (in my miss sophia voice). This gave me the courage to go ahead with the BC and I am loving it. Thanks Elle.
Do you have any tutorial videos on how you style your hair ?? I’d love to see how you do your hair in the morning I got curls somewhat like yours
There are several tutorials on how I do my hair on the blog.
hey Elle, can you recommend any shampoos that don’t strip hair, preferably something that moisturizes if thats possible. thank
Check out the holy grail list!
I saw the last video that you posted and you said that you get your volume by low manipulation. Mostly I use Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel. I really like the definition, but I am not satisfied with the volume. When you say “low manipulation” do you mean you just rake it through? And also do you know of any conditioners that promote volume. I have tried many and I cannot seem to find one that actually does what it says.
Thanx
That was for retaining length. Truthfully, I don’t try to get volume, my hair is large lol.
elle, im apologising for the few stupid questions as ive now found youre blog and it has all my questions answered.
It’s okay! That’s just why I want people to know that I’m being sincere and not being a jerk when I ask they search the blog/YT. There is a LOT of info on here an many questions can be answered via search and people can get what they need quicker.
LOL! Thx.
ummm…sorry for the silly question but what is QOTD??
QOTD = Question of the Day
That was fast! Thx Elle, I will start searching!
I’m a newbie and like many others suffer from dryness. I have been learning more about sealing in moisture so I’ve started to use the EVOO as the last step after I co-wash and put on my leave in. Now I’m just confused about when to apply my gel on the days I decide to use it. Is it best to do this after the oil or before? Also is it okay to use the EVOO as a sealant or are there other oils that are better for this? I love your blog by the way and all your vids! Thx.
Hey Lisa! There are several posts addressing your question (mainly in QOTD or FAQ Videos), but ultimately it is up to you and what makes your hair feel best. Try experimenting with some different product orders.
does the tightly curly method of conditioner only wash and go work for you? I want to try it because i want a fluffy/bouncy curly look and can never acheive this with Gel. i’m also afraid conditioner alone might not be enough to prevent the frizz from humidity(i’m in louisiana and its super hot and humid)
I’ve never tried the “true” TC method. I have too much hair to try to smooth each curl – that would take me hours. I’ve styled with only conditioner though, but usually don’t because it gives my hair the opportunity to shrink and tangle more.
when you say you wash your hair in six sections, how do you separate it into sections (with braids, with hair ties, with duck clips). My hair is super thick and I think it’s getting to a length where I might need to think about sectioning while washing/conditioning
I didn’t say what I use b/c people can really use whatever they want – I can’t braid/twist my dry hair in six sections though (it’s too big, I would have to do more sections), so I use clips or hair ties.
I love your hair! It’s beautiful. I BC’d on May 18, 2011 and this is all new to me so I’m constantly on YouTube! It’s of course super short right now so I can’t actually twist it. I have been doing wash and go’s but my hair is VERY dry. What can I use to help with the dryness? Also I cowash pretty much every day since I workout like 4x/week but I don’t know if cowashing so much can be damaging? I feel like my hair is not growing even though it’s just been a couple months…sigh. Lastly what products do you recommend for a wash an go? I have been using the knot today or mixed chicks leave in and then just some Eco Styler gel but my hair is feeling icky (dry and crunchy), instead of soft and moisterizered. Sorry for the rant…feeling a bit discouraged.
Did you find that the henna relaxed your curl at all??
No. I think this is more prone to happen to people with fine hair, as the curl is loosened solely due to the weight of the henna. Henna coats the strand but does not alter the bonds of the hair.